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Underwood Moves into the Next Round in Battle of the Fans and Celebrates an Agoura High School Reunion
Over 100 fans showed up to support Underwood in the preliminary Battle of the Fans held Oct. 13th, 2003 at the Knitting Factory. An awesome performance and much support from their fan club including many supportive friends from their high school days scored a victory for Underwood. The band developed when the talented six got together as students at Agoura High School. Jeff Ramuno doubles on both electric guitar and vocals while Andy Ellsworth plays acoustic guitar and vocals. The acoustic/electric combination blends into a soft sound accented by Charles Decastro playing both the trumpet and keyboard and Peter Slocombe on sax adding jazz beat with some Latin flair. Justin Underwood on drums and Trevor Martin on bass, round off the group adding a smooth ballad soft rock flavor. The group is working on material in preparation for their CD release.
The Republic is a must see gothic band with a solid raw edgy gothic eerie feel. According to their Internet site, Tommy, Dee, Chavez, and John are in the process of getting their new CD Love Hate Life Technology pressed. They sounded great and looked handsome in their black suits with matching gray ties. They had a loyal supportive fan base with over 50 people dressed in black, dancing, some holding up signs showing support for their band, and even having a session with lighters held up to show support. This band has the charisma and a similar style to James Marster’s band Ghost of the Robot.
There was also a sensational hard rock soulful band called Wicked Relish featuring front-man Servant Fidan who works the audience’s attention with not only his voice, but his stage presence as well. He has a high level of energy and the ability to dance and move like Mick Jaggor. The Rueda brothers play an awesome drums and bass set with Brian Ferrero and Mike Villasenor keeping the band’s sound tight with guitar and keyboards respectively. Their CD Thick Sessions is worth checking out. This band has been compared to the Doors and has a strong loyal fan base.
It was a night for talented, handsome lead singers with charisma. Feathergun’s Sam Lewis fit the bill with the added bonus of a smooth clear expressive voice suitable for both rock and modern country music. He serves double duty in the band by also playing guitar with only brothers Mike and Ben Bary backing him up on bass and drums respectively. The group’s song Lover is the introductory song on the 2003 Wheat From Chaff CD. They played eight shows in two weeks and had quality fans more than the numbers. They had appreciative fans that showed support by giving them drinks on stage.
The draw for the night featured five tight bands with the non-advancing but talented four that could have easily won on a different night under different circumstances. It was more of a final round night than a preliminary entry into the competition. Enough said, Underwood was the band that could bring in the numbers that was the vital deciding factor in the Battle of the Fans. There was also an energetic band named Jadies Lantern that has the potential to surprise us in the future. Good feelings arise when you can totally forget about life’s little problems and totally focus and enjoy the bands playing. Oct. 13th ,2003 at the Knitting Factory was that kind of night. Check out the bands that make the semi-finals being held at the Knitting Factory on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2003 and get ready to be impressed.
Article by: Laura Phillips
Submitted: October, 2003
Photos: BOTF Website
Artist Website: www.battleofthefans.com
Email: info@thelamusicscene.com
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