Matt De La Rug (Tuesday July 11, 2006 11:19)
Here's a review of the night from the L.E.P...
This indie/rock heat showed that, fickle fashion put to one side, there will always be room for decent guitar noise in any local scene, and Preston has more than its fair share of notable bands with strength in composure and talent.

Through luck of the draw, two bands who showed great potential sandwiched two with a sound eager to burst on to the regional and national scene. At the start and end, The Underdogs and The Chevrons, dipped in Britpop swagger, with similar positives to take from enthused sets.

The Underdogs have strived hard for a long time on the local scene, but still have minor problems in an otherwise much improved, strengthened set. Their sound seems to have grown from just taking in the 90s guitar scene, and is rich in late 70s punk and harder British rock from recent times. Not always in tune or in time, this was nevertheless a gutsy collection of a mixed bag songs from a number of influences.

The Chevron's closing set shook with baggy-rock bounce, complete with bursts of trumpet when the mood dictated. This set had energy that they found hard to maintain, with some songs plodding in the middle sections. The closing song didn't know what to do with itself after an initial push. More power to anyone willing to wear sunglasses on stage, but not quite a band hitting all the targets they could.

Sandwiched between the Underdogs and Chevrons were two well-regarded local bands, who could well be meeting together again in later rounds. They deserve on the basis of this heat's energetic strength alone to be regarded as favourites for the title. Armrug have the sound of British rock before it was dragged off to Topman, with a characteristic no-nonsense attitude which secured the attention of a crowded Venue with thumping anthems all running short of three minutes each. Bringing a new meaning to the term "head-banging", the growling-toned lead singer thumped himself against the top of the stage but seemed to not miss a beat in doing so. Straightforward, if somewhat messy, the lads obviously have fun and so do the crowd; and that is what really matters.

Jelly's Last Jam come with well regarded reputation dripping from every chord. This set seemed to double every effort ever put into their gigs which can only suggest they are a force to be reckoned with in later heats. Pounding soul/rock, with more than a hint of earlier BOTB winners Treehouse 3, this is a group who can compose mature songs with a gallant groove. It is almost impossible to ignore the singers damn fine voice or stop the foot tapping as piano skips through merry melodies, backed with guitar and drums. As with Armrug, the set was carried with great fun as well as confidence.