LAPTOP BATTLE UK v1 review

LAPTOP BATTLE UK v1

"The first event, June 22nd 2006 at the Croft was absolutely wicked and big thanks to all competitors, VJ's, MC and helpers alike. The response was amazing and showed that the format is truly a success and needs to be followed up.

Well this was a first for us and as far as we know a first for Bristol (and the UK)... The Croft acted as the perfect venue, a good close arena with the availability of escape if and when needed to fill up on the beer front. It was always going to be a truly experimental event treading new boundaries for a night out and the results were wicked. What appealed to us in the first place was the ability to have a night of experimental electronic music that would be both in your face and asking a few questions but also live. Interaction was the name of the game with crowd participation/reaction at the forefront of the judges minds, getting people involved in their night out, away from the simple spectators view of the norm.

With both live visuals and live performance on show the crowd were treated to a feast for the senses that demanded participation leaving nobody behind.

The producers stepped up to the challenge with an array of technical ability, musical prowess and the odd costume laying down there fight straight to the audience. It really does have to be seen in the flesh to appreciate what was happening and truly was a first time experience for producers and crowd alike.


ROUND 1

Loz Koleszko vs Pseudoscience

The first face-off saw Pseudoscience and Loz Koleszko lay down the gauntlet for a night of the unknown. Loz Kolesko had to begin and set up the night with fierce beats and unrelenting synths that was answered by Pseudoscience likewise. Pseudoscience ended victorious with octopus like dexterity tweaking more dials than you can shake a glowstick at.

Madtek vs Defazed

So the Battle had started and the next contenders at least had the advantage of seeing what the feck was going on and responded likewise. Next up were the Madtek boyz and Defazed which proved to be a true contest as two took on one. The MadTekboyz set in with the first breakbeats of the evening using well known samples as a backdrop and giving true momentum from the stage. This was answered from Defazed with a slow musical build up to an all engulfing sound. A slight learning curve from the MC on the timings went against Madtek but there is no mercy in battle and Defazed was triumphant.

Binray vs Headphobe

Next up Headphobe took to the stage with a mixture of biting film samples and a beat delivered from the keyboard with obvious live abandon. This was answered by Binray (sporting the headgear with an onslaught of noise showing there is no limit to the number of beats that can be fitted into two minutes. Headphobe proved victorious as his stage presence and accessible sounds lead the way.

Ebola vs Shoutput

The fourth round saw Shoutput take to the stage with fat jungletek sounds that brought a firing rythem to the night as the terrier showed his teeth. The answer from Ebola saw the undisputed visual victor decked out in boxing gloves, cod peice and monitor spell out the true meaning of Battle. A little unluckily dogged by extended technical difficulties, Ebola began with the theme from Rocky and played out with some extremely tight production. Shoutput took the victory as the judges patience was tested by Ebola leaving him rightfully to have to fight another day.


SEMI-FINAL

Headphobe vs Shoutput

The second round saw the bass take on the beats and proved too much for Shoutput. Headphobe's stage presence and easily visible technique took the crowd by storm leading him to victory over a worthy adversary.



Defazed vs Pseudoscience

This bout proved to be the Battle of the big sounds as rolling synths and build up came into play. The sound was massive and the fight was hard but Defazed came out on top as his compositions proved too good setting up for an almighty final.


THE FINAL

Defazed vs Headphobe

So the final was here and two sets of five minute bouts gave the producers time to build and break to an awesome deathmatch. Defazed showed his merits as a composer building the sound for some heavy drops with extensive production and musicality bearing its head. Headphobes answer was again to take to the stage as a true performer getting the whole crowd in awe as he mashed up the keyboard producing cutting beats and searing sounds. Defazed's musicality ended in second place with no shame as the live manipulation from Headpobe proved too much. Crowned as Champion of Battle I Headphobe played the night out in true crowd pleasing fashion leaving everyone asking what would be in store for Battle II......







Massive respect to both of the finalists and all who took part as the boundaries of music were stretched to there limits giving a true spectacle for the crowd and judges alike." Jason Paine