'Unsigned Showcase' @ Hitchin Club 85, Wed 22nd Dec 04

The diverse quality of alternative rock acts is something for this small part of the country to shout about. A panel of industry experts is currently touring the UK, and calls in to the area’s flagship venue for a listen. A massive eleven acts have been hand-picked to perform; perhaps some of these will be chosen by the judges to send on to other places. A perfect situation? Actually, none of this is very well thought through.

No-one seems sure exactly what’s going on, least of all myself. I missed quite a few bands, turning up after teatime to a sold-out and half-finished night. I get in eventually (obviously). And there I found that this was no honourable showcase to those mysterious ‘industry experts’. It’s an event whose very name shakes the music-lover to his heart; a Battle of the Bands. As the local collective / newsletter points out, competition in music can be a Bad Thing. By all means, local bands should encourage each other onto better things, so friendly rivalry is to be applauded. But the wrong sort of competition, where ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ are clear cut according to stated category, is a process that can only divide. And the whole thing is hosted by a know-nothing woman who, no irony at all, is even dressed as a cowboy. After each set she asks for “hands in the air”: not to show polite appreciation as any MC would ask for, but so that she can count the hands. It’s like being at school. What a joke.

The packed crowd knows this. The venue promoter is in heated debate with two of the scene’s most vocal supporters (worthy songwriters in their own bands, who also transmit their particular political fire as a comic acoustic duo). To his credit, Bob later takes the stage himself and points out that (though there’s often a refreshing overlap) bands of different genres attract their own crowds. It follows that to pit said disparate bands against each other is just plain silly, like asking “what’s your favourite: radiators or goldfish?” The elements are not mutually exclusive, both being very different things. Likewise, ‘industry showcase’ and ‘local music scene’.

Want to hear about some different bands? Manboob are a band I think are very good, but I don’t actually like them. I don’t dislike them, either: it’s just not my bag. But along with every other band I saw (and missing stars like Shard, the Otters, Soviet Union and Redmaxx) this lot succeed in what they set out to do, whether it’s playing emotional tunes or atmospheric soundscapes (more of that please Insomnia).

For tonight's judges, crowd appreciation is not the sole consideration. But one man’s ‘originality’ could be another’s self-indulgence (work your pedals faster, Stu!), or a rip-off of something that one man hasn’t heard before (for a band who hate America, Frog Stupid certainly owe it a lot – and they’re the first to admit this). I suppose that’s why a factor like ‘performance’ is also taken into account, but it’s a notoriously fickle one. Also, the more ambitious a band, the more prone they are to technical problems. Example: I’ve loved many gigs by My Pet Junkie, even when Stu’s guitar fails him nearly every time. The packed crowd knows this too, cheering every set and heckling the host.

I’m sure the visiting judges were none too impressed by what could come across as an insular scene. While fond of rock n roll antics, even I’m not sure about such unified rudeness, and fear that if left alone, a fully loved-up scene is boring (“Will you guest with my band? I’ll guest with your band! Then we’ll form our own band!” And everything becomes an in-joke). But all the collective anger tonight does make for audience unity, a cosy venue for a time, and some worthwhile performances. In a limited set, so-called “comedy-prog” trio My Pet Junkie knock out the most raw and passionate sound I’ve heard from them in ages. ‘Shut Up Fool’ is no two-minute pop wonder, but has the tune of one, and even in its long course bursts with sheer energy. Following this opening with three good old songs reminds me what a great band they can be. Similarly, ska-punk merchants Frog Stupid run through three favourites at a stunning pace and I really enjoy their set.

It's continually pointed out that all these bands deserve better things. They are capable of getting their own gigs in required hotspots and regularly do just that (er, London). While I feel that it's short-sighted to ignore whatever might be offered by someone new to this area , it's not as ill-conceived as the whole 'Battle of the Bands' organisation. There are better ways for a group to get attention, such as at our own 'Rhythms of the World' festival, where the variety of diffrent bands comes together in celebration and not competition. The best route to success is just to continue playing great songs.

To reiterate: this was stupid like a speed-dating night - but we all saw some top entertainment and went home to spread the word – and that’s what it’s all about.