Bacardi Hot Press Band Competition Dublin heat

The third Dublin heat of this year’s increasingly interesting battle saw five very diverse acts slugging it out for a coveted place in April’s grand final.

First out of the traps were DJ Hooker, no strangers to the contest having competed several times in the past, reaching the finals on one occasion. In their earlier incarnation they offered a sometimes unwieldy but compelling blend of glam rock, sci-fi trash and manic dance beats. This time around they appeared more focused, delivering a set of fast-paced numbers underpinned by driving rhythms and showcasing a singer who combined elements of Björk, Siouxie Sioux and Kate Bush.

The Same started out with a sloppy instrumental, which threatened to sink them before they’d even got off the ground. Then, to everyone’s surprise they turned it around and proceeded to launch into an exquisite set of power-pop influenced numbers recalling The Undertones and XTC. With some deft guitar work and impressive vocals buoyed by solid songwriting, they redeemed themselves admirably.

Coming on like the experienced session musicians I suspect they were, Little Earthquakes traded in funky white soul that recalled ’70s acts such as Boz Scaggs and The Average White Band – though their opening number bore a remarkable resemblance to Kool & The Gang’s ‘Ladies Night ‘. With impressive harmonies and slick solo-ing they also demonstrated their versatility on an acoustic ballad that was a ringer for Extreme’s lighter waving, ‘More Than Words’.

Sporting natty matching T-shirts bearing their moniker, three-piece Crayonz looked like they meant business right from the off – and they went on to prove exactly that. Without doubt one of the most impressive outfits ever to grace a Bacardi/hotpress stage, they stormed through a set that owed more than a little to The Replacements and Pearl Jam. One number in particular, ‘Bring The Conversation Down’ was a stunner of a song in anyone’s book.

Tonight’s final act, five piece Re-leaf, were clearly out to have fun romping through an enjoyable set of pop numbers. With a permanently smiling, blond female singer they resembled Blondie (on helium), with elements of Elvis Costello’s Attractions in the cheesy organ department.

With such a high standard on offer it was always going to be close – but when the votes were counted, Crayonz emerged as deserving finalists.