Battle of the bands
By Shantell WhiteheadReporter, The Voice
Despite the cool weather, sweat was rolling down the brow of Hostage Situation's frontman, Brandon Kellum. He and all the rising stars of Arizona's local music scene energized Glendale Community College (GCC) ampitheater at the March 5th "Battle of the Bands," sponsored by the student body. The music ranged from the screaming vocals of Ashes to Phoenix, the semi-sweet melodic stylings of Beyond All Glory, and the southern rock-and-roll vibes of Hostage Situation. After five hours of quality amateur music, the night ended with a vote based on audience cheers, naming the very talented Beyond All Glory the victors of the night.
Beyond All Glory
myspace.com/beyondallglory/myspace site
The champions of the night are more than just rockstars, they are devout Christians as well.
Originally named Athalia, lead singer Kevin Murphey says they consider themselves a "positive influence band," although they are "less open about it" now. They are not eager to pigeon-hole their sound and claim to have "many different styles of music" that they use "to create [their] own sound."
They do admit they are "more into the hardcore scene" than before and have gotten "progressively better and a little more edgy."
Their message to GCC fans is "be true to who you are, if you dig it, then so be it, let's not find ourselves hiding behind a mask of what society may call acceptable, find out who you are and embrace it." Rock out with BAG. when they perform with home-town heroes Greeley Estates March 29.
Ashes To Phoenix
myspace.com/ashestophoenixmusic/myspace site
Always a crowd favorite, ATP finds their influences in a myriad of different genres, ranging from Senses Fail to Metallica.
Although their bassist, Kent Goodwin, also plays in ETC., which performed right before the ATP set, this screamo band always finds time to practice.
While they started out with "small 15-watt amps . . . doing cover songs and not too sure what [they] were doing," this band has come a long way since its origination in 2006. With professional equipment and a rapidly growing fan-base, Ashes to Phoenix guitarist and vocalist Abel Magaña believes they can make it in the competitive music world. He asserts the band is unique because "not all our songs sound the same, with lyrics no one can understand," like most bands.
Check out Ashes to Phoenix yourself during their upcoming show at The One Place on May 9.
Hostage Situation
myspace.com/hostagesdiefirst/myspace site
Always a crowd favorite, ATP finds their influences in a myriad of different genres, ranging from Senses Fail to Metallica.
Although their bassist, Kent Goodwin, also plays in ETC., which performed right before the ATP set, this screamo band always finds time to practice.
While they started out with "small 15-watt amps . . . doing cover songs and not too sure what [they] were doing," this band has come a long way since its origination in 2006. With professional equipment and a rapidly growing fan-base, Ashes to Phoenix guitarist and vocalist Abel Magaña believes they can make it in the competitive music world.
He asserts the band is unique because "not all our songs sound the same, with lyrics no one can understand," like most bands.
Check out Ashes to Phoenix yourself during their upcoming show at The One Place on May 9.
Hostage Situation
For the members of Hostage, "crowd interaction is everything," according to vocalist Brandon Kellum. This virtue was apparent as they electrified the stage with their incredible energy and enthusiasm.
Hostage Situation's goal is to ensure "everyone is having a good time, whether they be dancing and moving around . . . headbanging in the front row, or up against the microphone singing along."
A lively set is important, but lyrical quality and instrumental skill is even more critical. Lyrically, Kellum claims, they "continue to challenge the listeners with clever plays on words and insightful songs inspired by philosophy and human experiences wrapped in a light-hearted party tone."
Hostage holds no emphasis on fame and claim to be "in it for the ride." Join them on their journey March 22 when they play at The Hot Box.
Photo Credit: Brandyn Burke Guitarist Andy Marshall jams during Hostage Situation's performance, a crowd-pleaser of the night.
