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I think we all know that Band Competitions are usually a device to persuade bands to drag their mates along to watch them play in a pub 'venue' and drink lots of beer, with little else in it for them. I've witnessed a few over the years, the most shocking of which was one at the Oval where bands were judged purely by the audience. I witnessed an excellent band being 'knocked out' by the most appalling cod '70's rock (mainly) covers band by virtue of the fact that these bozos brought a sizeable following with them, whereas the others brought their girlfriends and little else. Of course this was round whatever of about fifty (!) just to fill up a tuesday night with bands that would play for free.
We should be pleased that the EDP Competition (showcase I think is a better description) judges gave a pretty neutral view on the acts that played. I noticed that several brought quite a few fans but failed to win, and their rather blinkered 'fans' have resorted to slagging off the Pistolas. It leaves a nasty taste as the Pistolas themselves have said they didn't expect to win, so they've hardly done anything wrong. Unfortunately (!) I agree with the judges. The Pistolas displayed an energy and inventiveness that was lacking in several of the other acts. The songs were strong, the attitude edgy but cool,
The Abyss in particular were technically very clever, but to my mind had rather dull songs. If technical ability were all that mattered we might as well all go away and listen to Genesis or Yes, but that sort of muso hell I wouldn't wish on anyone. Excitement, the ability to rock, to excite and thrill take first place with me every time, with perhaps the most important ingredient behind all that being strong songs, something that the Pistolas seem to have no shortage of.
As for the other acts, Turnstone weren't bad, I caught the end of the girl with the well produced backing tape - couldn't see the point really there - and Elis were superb on the night. I thought they might have won, and fail to understand the criticism that has been directed their way on this forum. As for DJ Oska...the Streets of Norfolk or whatever he was touted as is surely a joke, but at least he had the balls to get up in front of a big audience to do his stuff, event though I didn't particularly rate it.
When it comes down to it there were only a couple of acts there who stand any chance of 'making it' and The Pistolas were one of them. Well done the judges.
The Broads. More than a National Park
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