So while I was waiting in line for the sneak preview of Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist on Tuesday, someone handed me a flier about a Battle of the Bands at Union Pool sponsored by Columbia Pictures, Mandate Pictures, and the L Magazine that was hosted by Project Jenny/Project Jan (which is playing a set tonight at Public Assembly and stars as the band Are You Randy in the movie), and judged by Uncensored Interview (phew!).  As a further FYI, Union Pool is one of the many music bars in the city that Nick and Norah go to - but they call in Brooklyn Pool in the movie.  Moving on.

First, I will preface this review by saying each band only performed three tracks each.  So it is tough to get a full sense fo the band - but here we go…

I was impressed with the first band that took the stage - The Yes Way.  They had a number of fans in the room, are based in Williamsburg, and had been wanting to play Union Pool for some time.  Besides having a good rock sound with some nice guitar solos, I like that Nick and Mike switched off lead guitar and bass every other song - well played.  They will be back at Union Pool October 9 and release their forthcoming CD Who’s Better Than You in November at Bowery Poetry Club (NEED TO ADD - 308 Bowery, New York, NY 10012, (212) 614-0505).  They deserve overall high marks and I would definitely see again.  

The Yes Way kicked the night off right

The next band, Black Taxi, got a nice “fuck yeah!” from a fan before the set and then proceeded to blow up the joint.  They reminded me of a smaller Gogol Bordello.  And for those that know, that is saying something.  The raw energy, enthusiasm, and showmanship these guys showed in just three songs blew me away.  I am personally not a fan of the megaphone into the mic thing, but the myriad of instruments that lead singer Ezra somehow incorporated into a 3-song set was staggering - all while jumping off the stage twice - once for a PBR and once to just get closer to the crowd.  I can only imagine what theatrics might come with a full set.  Black Taxi is a must-see band - check them out next at Fat Baby on Saturday.  

Black Taxi ruled the night with a crazy energy

Red Wire Black Wire took the stage next and people really packed the front of the stage before the set.  A 5-piece band with two synths made the stage a little crowded, but they still brought a good energy and beat.  On the third song, they really got into it and essentially had their own dance party on stage.  You could definitely tell that they were passionate about their music and enjoyed performing, which is the 2nd thing I look for in a live show (besides talent, of course).  I am not sure when their next local gig is, but I would check them out again as well. 

Red Wire Black Wire brought a nice rock electronica sound to their fans

I was intrigued by the next band, a 2-piece metal band called Blue Sky Law.  I have to say that they brought an intense energy for just one guitarist and a drummer.  Unfortunately for this reviewer, I am just not a fan of metal outside of Metallica - whose new album rocks by the way.  So this band just did not really do it for me and I feel like their sound was hard to compare to the other bands anyway.   They did have a passionate set of fans though.

Blue Sky produced a surprisngly energetic metal sound for just 2 people

After hearing one song each from the bands before the night, I was most looking forward to the last band - The Royal Chains.  And they did not disappoint.   They did shots before the set on stage - which is never bad form in my book.   They definitely bring a good polished sound and a great stage presence.  I loved that after their third song, lead singer Adam said that he didn’t care if it was going to cost them the battle and played a 4th song anyway.  Look for them next at Bar Matchless on October 11.

Nothing says Rock'n'Roll like The Royal Chains downing shots before their well-played sets

And the results were…a tie between Blue Sky Law and The Royal Chains, which allowed Blue Sky Law another song.  I was floored and had to leave.  I don’t even know who ended up winning.  My honest guess is that the judges had their favorites before the night even started since it seems too coincidental that the 4th and 5th bands tied in the voting.  If you ask this reviewer, Black Taxi deserved top billing with The Royal Chains a close 2nd.  All in all, it was a great night of music despite some technical difficulties (and you can’t blame the hard-working sound girl with such short sets and many different instruments).  And I am thankful to have some new bands to check out.  I just didn’t like the results.  See you out there…