Soundclash 2011 - March 9th

Well the selected bands are back to fight it out for that divine title of Soundclash Winners 2011. Yes, the semi-finals are here which means more music, more sweat, and more ridiculous interviews from Stratcast. Round one saw Beyond Dreams of Grandeur facing the wrath of zombie wannabes Death of Johnny Alpha. Both bands have previously been very successful and popular, so this was not an easy ride for either band. They would need a cunning plan to ensure a place in the final. Beyond Dreams of Grandeur were first up, and ready to kick zombie ass. There was no faulting their set, with excellent choice of tracks, brilliant vocals and instrumentals that would rock any rocker’s world. This band have shown a real passion for live events, and it was clear to see, well hear, that this has been a new focus of theirs. It is a strategy that seems to be working because this was pure live rock that deserved a place in the semi-final, and excellent practice if they were to make it to the final. The only criticism that could be said about the band was that their stage presence was not as inspiring as their music, but surely that really isn’t something to worry about… Well apparently it might be. Zombie obsessed Death of Johnny Alpha followed with what can only be described as the best entrance to a set that has ever been seen at any live event. Johnny Alpha has obviously been researching, because zombies are walking the earth, and they’re dressed to impress. And impress they did, with a rocking set that would have woken the dead in a ten mile radius plus their well thought out stage act, Johnny Alpha had certainly done their homework. However, would the crowd buy into a zombie stage gimmick? Both bands were impressive music wise, but is it a case of dreams coming true, or nightmares wearing red shirts for the final vote outcome. To find out the first band to secure a place in the allegedly last ever final, check out the podcast that also features exclusive band interviews and banter. With only two more rounds before the final, music is going to get bigger and better at Stratcast. More news on the end of Soundclash will be featured in upcoming shows, let us know your thoughts on the possible end of an unsigned music era.