Last night the Experience Music Project broke attendance records for a semifinal round of Sound Off! the battle of the underage bands. Over 500 people rocked the 3rd floor of the museum and hearts were won by four amazing young bands.
Fellow Seattle University students, Kithkin (formerly known as Chinook Jargon), covered themselves in colorful warpaint and started the night with amazing energy. If you like Vampire Weekend (I do), you will like these guys (I do). A free download of their music is available at their Bandcamp site. If you cannot possibly listen to more than one song (not likely, they are like Pringles) let that song be Etch-a-Sketch.
The night continued with Electricity and its Double who is easily responsible for one of the coolest lyrics I have ever heard, with their song Commune: “You’ve got your water bed. I’ve got my air mattress next to it.” Awesome guys. Really awesome.
Next up was the rap duo Kung Foo Grip. Their intelligent lyrics and amazing stage presence had the whole room entranced. Fly Dro Crusin is how I knew I loved them. Precious right? They also win the award for coolest band T-shirt and largest entourage.
The last performers of the night were the first pick of the judges. Fit For Hounds were selected as first place winners of the night and guaranteed a place at Sound Off! Finals on March 5th. These kids have the look and the sound and half of the audience knew all of the words to their songs. Coolest of the cool songs are Lockdown and Clap If You Hear Me.
Second place winner Kung Foo Grip will be entered into the pool with last week’s runner up, Tomten, to be potentially selected as the Wild Card band / fourth competing band at finals. The Wild Card Band is chosen by Experience Music Project’s Youth Advisory Board. I know these kids and they know their music. This decision will be tough but well informed. More Sound Off! news later. But first this from Fit For Hounds: