Bacardi Hot Press band challenge: Cork Heat

The second regional heat of this year’s contest saw five very different acts battling it out for a coveted place in April’s grand final. Things certainly got off to a flying (and ear-shattering) start when Wexford 4-piece, Godzero hit the stage. Plying a hard-edged, hard-rock sound that veered somewhere between the uncompromising speed-metal of Slayer and the more melodic textures of Staind they made an instant impact. The dread-locked, frontman sported a custom-designed T-shirt bearing the legend, “Fuck Hotpress” – luckily we’re not sensitive, eh?

Next up were Clonakilty outfit Fuzzilogic, a more mainstream and accessible five-piece trading mainly in melodic, mid-tempo acoustic ballads with strong harmonies.

Recalling similar acts like Crowded House and Squeeze with shades of David Gray they acquitted themselves admirably with solid vocals, intelligent lyrics and a well-rounded set the highlight being the impressive ‘Instant Persuasion’.

Lunersea, a sprawling six-piece with an instrumental line-up that included everything from a scratchy turntable to a didgeridoo (no kidding!) had the crowds up on the dancefloor from the off. Their strong points were undoubtedly a tight, funky rhythm section and an excellent R’n’B styled female singer but their sound at times appeared far too busy with not enough space in the groove.

Progressive rock ’70s style was the approach adopted by the aptly-named Orpheus, who came across like Yes with hints of Led Zeppelin and Pearl Jam in the riffing department. A strong frontman and a tight, well-rehearsed set ensured a warm reaction from the appreciative crowd

No strangers to this competition having made the final a few years back tonight’s last act onstage Blotooth had the difficult task of winning over the increasingly noisy venue. Their persistence and experience over the years has clearly paid off and with their often whimsical brand of pop-rock and solid songs they triumphed by a whisker to make it to the final.