The Union’s four walls are plastered with posters and set lists of bands who have come and gone through the Athens music scene. On Thursday, these posters were joined by streamers, balloons and lobster cutouts, indicating the arrival of ACRN’s annual Battle of the Bands. At this highly anticipated event, five groups had the chance to solidify their legacies and earn a place on the walls.
Battle of the Bands is organized primarily by Kate Tocke, a junior studying journalism, and Evan Seurkamp, a junior studying music production and recording industry. As public relations director, Tocke runs the social media for ACRN and was responsible for informing local bands of the opportunity, and Seurkamp handles the planning of live events as promotions director.
Battle of the Bands caters to newer bands in town, “allowing it to be a platform for them to get out there and play maybe their … first show at The Union and get their music to a wider audience,” Seurkamp said.
“At ACRN events, it’s constant,” Tocke said. “We are always going to hit capacity, and it is packed and it is high energy and it is a lot of fun, and these newer bands are going to get that really fun experience that I think will really show them what it’s like to play in the Athens music scene.”
Tickets for the event were $8 for those over 21 years old, and $10 for anyone under. Attendees began to line up for the event before doors opened at 7 p.m., and the fun began at 8:30 p.m.
Tocke and Seurkamp were the first to grace the stage Thursday night to introduce the first band of the lineup, Anake, a Cleveland-based band on the verge of its first show in Athens. The group kicked off the event with its thrashing sound, warming up the crowd with collaborative energy and hometown chants.
The second group of the evening was Kid Primitive, also hailing from Cleveland and sharing a guitarist with Anake, but with a much more mellow take on their rock sound. With the influence of Radiohead in mind, the crowd headbanged alongside the musicians as they shared an entirely original setlist, going above and beyond the requirement that each band must play two original songs.
“It kind of incentivizes some of the bands to explore creating and performing original material,” Seurkamp said.
The lead singer and guitarist of Kid Primitive is KJ Mueller, a junior studying MPRI and contemporary music and digital instruments. According to Mueller, Kid Primitive’s preparation for Battle of the Bands occurred mostly individually. The band is scattered across Athens, Cincinnati and Cleveland, and the group only gathered to rehearse a few hours before showtime.
“In the past, a lack of rehearsal time is something that really would have bothered me and made me feel unprepared and way more anxious for the show, but I think the guys in the band just have a lot of trust for each other and a lot of chemistry,” Mueller said.
Mueller experienced firsthand the unique energy of playing for an Athens crowd.
“This is probably the most hype our show has ever gotten, it’s the most energy we’ve ever gotten from the crowd,” he said.
Kid Primitive was followed by Zappers in the third slot on the lineup, introducing a broader range of covers to the setlist of the evening. From covers of The Beatles’ “Helter Skelter” to its own metal-influenced originals, the group neutralized the mid-lineup dip in energy with a powerhouse vocalist, shredding lead guitarist and good humor overall.
Next on the stage was The Talk Show Hosts, introduced by Snat, the ACRN lobster mascot, as a prog rock-inspired four-piece outfit with a grungy twist. The group’s ethereal mist overcame the crowd at the perfect time in anticipation of the night’s finale.
The lineup ended with Blush, an all-femme band whose recent debut sent waves through the local music scene. Along with its originals, the group dazzled the stage with a seductive cover of Britney Spears’ “Hit Me, Baby, One More Time” and a gossamer rendition of The Cranberries’ “Linger,” all of which contributed to the band’s victory at the end of the night.
In addition to the group’s stellar performance, Blush’s triumph was due in part to an audience of friends who came decked out in red and black attire, including Sarah Goecke, a sophomore studying environmental science and sustainability. Goecke primarily attended the show to support her friend in the band and contribute her vote to Blush’s victory.
“I personally love (Battle of the Bands) because I think it’s very interactive with the audience because they’re able to put their voice in on who they love best … obviously all the bands are wonderful and so talented, but I like being able to have a little vote,” Goecke said.
In addition to a $400 cash prize and the coveted Lobster Cup, Blush earned a spot on the Lobster Fest lineup, set for April 11-13, 2025.
