Killer Soap cleans up in China
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In a variation on Mad Max where “Two men enter, one man leaves”, the first ever GBOB Challenge China national final saw three regional final-winning bands fight for the chance to represent China in the GBOB Challenge World Finals 2008 in London this December. Hosted by The Cavern deep in the heart of tourist city Lan Kwai Fong in Hong Kong, the mixed audience joined in the cheering and the chanting for their favourite band.
First off, The Dovetail joints from Shanghai reggaed and rocked their way into the hearts of the audience. Then Killer Soap from Hong Kong sent the home crowd (consisting of many beautiful young girls) screaming as they performed their unique blend of jazz, metal and rock. Finally, rock funk outfit Bolt Action and their entourage of supporters from hometown Shenzhen drew loud applause and friendly heckling.
Sorry Boys, you’ve won!
Having played in the Polish national final of the GBOB Challenge and facing a 400km drive back to Warsaw, the band Sorry Boys were packing their instruments in the car when they heard their name announced. The alternative rock outfit thought it was just a thank you for taking part until someone told them they had won.
They can be forgiven for not expecting to win as the first ever GBOB national final in Poland at the Klub Muzyczny UCHO in Gdynia featured a very strong line-up of bands from all over the country. However, the judges saw it differently, awarding them the first prize and a trip to the World Finals in London. Just missing out in second place were hardcore band Alone from Lódz with hard rock band Diesel from Gdansk in third.
The Sorry Boys are Iza Komoszynska (vocals), Tomasz Dabrowski (guitar), Piotr Blak (guitar), Jacek Perkowski (bass) and Kuba Zawadzilo (drums). Formed in 2006, their music can best be described as alternative rock with haunting tunes and a sound they can confidently call their own. They are currently preparing to record their debut album. Check out their profile here
China face-off in Hong Kong
Hong Kong winners Killer Soap (pictured) meets Shanghai winners Dovetail Joints meets Shenzhen winners Bolt Action for a grand finale to see which one of them will represent China for the first time in GBOB Challenge history!
These three exciting bands from different parts of China will be competing at the Cavern in Hong Kong on October 25 for the chance to represent the largest country in the world at the GBOB Challenge World Finals in London this December.
Three very different styles of music will be showcased on the night. Killer Soap (J-style vocals meets catchy pop~rock tunes); Dovetail Joints (where indie reggae meets traditional rock); Bolt Action (hard rock fused with funk and rockabilly).
The entire event will be filmed and made into a documentary.
The Marker make their mark in Romania
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Twelve very strong bands fought to impress the judges in a thrilling Romanian final of the GBOB Challenge at the Hard Rock Café in Bucharest in front of an appreciative live audience and TV viewers across the country. Some tough decisions had to be made but in the end dynamic powerhouse four-piece The Marker took first place and will now head to the GBOB Challenge World Finals in London this December.
The Romanian final was televised by TVR (Romanian national TV), MTV and other broadcasters. The coverage included interviews and the making of GBOB Romania as well as live concert footage. Other prizes on the night went to ACT (Best Rock Band Romania 2008}, L’orchestre de Roche (Best Alternative…) and Blood Print (Best Newcomer…).
Hailing from Bucharest, The Marker are: Paul Mates (guitar, lead vocals; Claudiu Ursache (Guitar); Andrei Prodan (bass, backing vocals); Octav Capota (drums). Check out their profile here.
Reggae is the winning sound of Wales
The sun-drenched rhythms of the Caribbean may not be what you’d expect to hear coming from the Welsh valleys. But that is exactly what Wales will be exporting to the GBOB Challenge World Finals this year after Kali Mist came first in the Welsh National Final.
Their storming live show – more a party than a performance – won the overall endorsement of the judges on the night. And this despite stiff competition the other finalists – especially Draw Me Stories who came second and Once Under who came third.
Kali Mist have been creating their very own roots, reggae, ska and dancehall hot spot in Wales over the last few years. A self-titled album featuring 10 of their most popular tracks was recently released. We look forward to seeing them in London in December.
