Oxford’s O2 Academy played host to MMG’s Oxfordshire Battle of the Bands Final, bringing the winners of previous rounds together to battle it out for 2013’s Oxfordshire title.

An energetic and lively young crowd – aged from 8 upwards – made the atmosphere electric and you could taste the anticipation and support from friends, family, school/Uni mates of the various bandmates – it made for a very special energy and added to the sense of occasion.

First up was Jane Likes Books – a lively rocking 3-piece band who really tore up the stage and got the crowd fired up – loving the giant upright bass! A good start to the show.

The Method were on next  - a talented acoustic/rock band from Bicester, who already have a massive YouTube following, and judging from the screams that greeted their appearance, most of their fans are schoolgirls – we could be seeing Bicester(Beatle)mania soon!

Then came Stroke of Luck – a 5-piece rock n roll/acoustic band – they performed a passionate and lively set and really engaged the audience, so it was no surprise they won the crowd vote on the night.

Minamata Convulsion are a loud and crazy metal band. They performed with huge energy and enthusiasm and really saw the finalists out with a bang! As goes hardcore metal as a music genre, they are an acquired taste but the crowd loved them.

The winners were voted for during the musical interval, with crowd and judges votes being taken. The results were as follows:
Judges’ vote (as voted by MMG & Marshall Amplification): The Method
Crowd vote: Stroke of Luck

These were my two preferred performances so I was satisfied with the results, and overall it was a great night for showcasing Oxford’s young musical talent. All four bands were talented and deserved finalists – however it didn’t go unnoticed that this final line-up doesn’t do much for Oxford’s stereotypical elitist reputation, with no females or cultural diversity in sight….

Results will be officially released by MMG on Tuesday 14th May 2013.