The 2nd Day of Battle: Celebrating Local Music

A crowd came out for the spirited second night of the Veishea Battle of the Bands Wildcard at the Maintenance Shop. An eclectic array of styles and moods were presented by the bands as the crowd seemed to enjoy the whole event as the groups gave it their all.

The first group, Official, mixed their humor into their choice of name.

"We wanted to make it 'official' and we couldn't think of a name," joked guitarist and lead vocalist, Nate Zanto. The band played a bluesy set of originals. Their second song, "Scit-Scat" was said to be about a member's schizophrenic cat. The songwriting centered around the jazzy chords of the sixth, minor seventh, and thirteenths of the guitarists backed by the cool rhythm section of the interchangable bass players and drummer for the group.

Ely Falls, an atmospheric band with vocals reminiscent of Ben Folds, came on next in full force. The band was an emotionally cohesive unit with each member seemingly concentrating on the songs' dynamics with skillful precision. The ringing guitars were complemented with the arppegiated keyboard riffs and the roving bass lines, all being supported by the thunderous drums in the background.

"It's always been a dream and it's a way to share something with the audience," keyboardist Jenn Hanson said about performing with the group.

A quartet of high schoolers, Strangers with Candy, from Ankeny came on with the vigor of a seasoned band and held their tight cohesion the whole set. Influences like Pink Floyd, System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, and Tool are woven into their elongated hard rock jams, and the gritty voice of singer/guitarist Matt Timmons added further intensity to the mix. Guitarist Darren Hushak opened their last song with an ad-lib introduction, "It's kind of a song about death. Hopefully you won't be too depressed."

Krystal Masters and the Chosen came on next with the stylings of R&B meets classic rock. Songwriter and singer, Krystal, urged the crowd to participate with her on the song "I do take you." Soon half the crowd was following the direction of Krystal's mother in singing while the other was coming in with spoken word. Krystal improvised over the top of this symphony of voices. She's been writing songs since she was ten, and plays viola, saxophone, in addition to keyboards and guitar during sets with the band. The band beguiled the audience with rhythmic grooves and the charismatic singing of Masters.

The band that dutifully and powerfully finished the night, Steve Robinson Foundation, came on and wowed everyone with their blues rock songs and powerful duo vocals. The original lineup came together three years ago and have since added guitarist Keith Rollins. The powerful jams had unexpected changes in dynamics as the drummer known only as Swiggz played skillful, rapid fills. The guitar tones and riffs had grit and the lead vocalist, Steve Robinson, had soulful power in his voice. About song writing Robinson said, "I don't wait to get in the mood--this is my job. I don't wait for inspiration."

Official are Nate Zanto on guitar and vocals, Nathan Smith on drums, Bill Huspek on bass, and Alex Fales on guitar.

Ely Falls are Jenn Hanson on flute and keyboard, Dustin Kniffen on guitar and lead vocals, Franky Colbert on bass, Austin Carlson on drums and vocals, and Beau Hindman on lead guitar.

Strangers With Candy are Darren Hushak on guitar, Grant Parker on bass, Matt Timmons on guitar and vocals, and Gavin Moore on drums.

Krystal Masters plays and sings with The Chosen, Ward Phillips on drums and harmonica, Julian Jess on bass and djembe, and Mark Davis on guitar.

The Steve Robinson Foundation are Steve Robinson on lead vocals and guitar, Keith Rollins on guitar and vocals, and Swiggz on drums.