the ramblers
SLC Battle of the Bands 2014
By J. KAELA SIMPSON, SLC Kingston Student
A
t the first official Student
Association Battle of the
Bands, four bands from varying
backgrounds gathered in the Muis
Lounge to duke it out. Stepping onto the
stage were four local bands; Oakridge
who are a “high energy alternative rock
trio from Kingston who are passionate for
sharing sounds and melodies listeners
can emotionally relate to” , The Horror
We Live, The Ramblers and 40 Creek.
For this event there was not only
prize money and bragging rights but
the opportunity to be judged by two
members of Canadian Music front
runners, the Arkells. Unfortunately due
to recording their upcoming album they
were unable to attend in person, but
through the connectivity of technology
were able to help in judging the
competition from the studio.
The bands were judged twice per round
by crowd response and social media
votes through Twitter. There was buzz
generated as the hashtag “#slcbotb”
was trending in the Kingston region that
night.
Round one went to Oakridge through
social media, and The Horror We Live
6 SA Voice April 2014
won the crowd as many of their fans
had made the trip to see them perform.
Taking 3rd place was The Ramblers
with an impressive cover of Route 66,
first recorded by Nat King Cole. The
Ramblers are a local Kingston band
bringing impressive swing back for us to
enjoy. They took the first round with the
majority of votes.
Oakridge opens round two with another
set, opened with a song entitled “Fourth
Round” about that one last chance. This
one had more of an acoustic feel.
Covering the Counting Crows song “Mr.
Jones”, their lead singer sat on the front
of the stage, giving the song a more of an
intimate feel.
The Ramblers impressed the crowd the
most as they kept toes tapping with an
original and ripping cover of The Animals
“Boom Boom”.
The Horror we Live who have been
together since high school covered
Canadian heavy weights Billy Talent’s hit,
“Surrender”.
40 Creek also threw down a sick cover of
“Come Together” by The Beatles to try
and win the crowd over.
The Round 2 winner won the $100.00
prize! After much deliberation 40 Creek
won third place, and The Horror We
Live placed fourth. This last round was
between The Ramblers and Oakridge to
crown a champion.
Oakridge opened the last round with an
original and ended with a cool musical
mash up, But The Ramblers stole the
show; ending with their signature big
band sound that had everyone dancing.
Catching up with Oakridge shortly
after the show, Nathan had this to say:
“Overall we had a terrific experience at
the Battle of the Bands. Great hosts,
great sound, and some killer musicians.
Hats o