Surprising Results - Tiger Translate Battle Of The Bands, Semi Final

This competition that involved 32 Beijing bands is finally coming to its close. Eight bands fought in the semi-final last weekend. Beijing's oi-punk representative, Misandao, were among the battlers, though most of the bands were formed less than two years ago. Four bands (two from each night) were voted by the audience and judges into the Final on August 26. Apparently, experience and reputation didn't mean too much to the voters or the result.

Let's start with the first round of the semi-final on Friday at Mako Live House. This rock club hidden in the south-east of the city was packed with passionate fans. Opening act, pop punk Finger Family gave the start of the night a good mood, and the first battler in the semi-final, Emitter poured a full dose of energy into it. Their old school rock tunes were favorites of the audience and judges. Chendian Riji's dedicated supporters ensured the other spot in the final for their metal heroes. Punk kids Hell City couldn't go further, but I believe you can still catch them at D-22 regularly. Keep an eye on indie group Locomotive Gentlemen, it was too bad that they didn't get in to the final, but I look forward to seeing them more often on Beijing's rock stages.

The competition on Friday night was quite intense, but if the winners were put in the other group on Saturday night, we would probably get a much different result. Seeing Saturday's four battlers was like seeing England, Argentina, Sweden and Nigeria being put in the same group in FIFA World Cup 2002. Misandao and Gao Feng & G-eleven were unfortunately Argentina and Nigeria who didn't make it to the next round, after being beaten by Army of Jade Kirin and Strange July.

Formed 12 years ago, as a regular and one of the leading punk acts in many music festivals, Misandao was no doubt the most influential group among all the bands in this whole competition, though the voters decided to give the young ones some opportunity. Despite the disappointment of some fans, most people had great fun at MAO that Saturday. They enjoyed opening band, indie pop Lure's soothing tunes, moshed with Misandao's agitating beats, raised their hands for alternative metal band Army of Jade Kirin, Gao Feng & G-Eleven made them swing, Strange July proved that hardcore rock's popularity remains. And when the audience started to sing along with the headliner, Reflector, I think everyone felt that it was no longer a competition but more like a great rock gig.

And now the Beijing final’s ahead. Emitter, Chendian Riji, Strange July and Army of Jade Kirin will fight for the title and RMB 100,000 prize on August 26 at Tango 3F with support from the "new godfather" of China's rock music Xie Tianxiao and pop rock Perdel. See you there. Look out for free tickets tomorrow.

Photos: Tiger Beer