The third semi-finals show at Providence’s Firehouse XIII between York, The Death of Paris, and the Amil Byleckie Band started a little awkwardly. Despite a big showing of an enthusiastic fan base, York seemed to have a little case of the nerves. Singers Emily Rickard and Dan Pawlowski weren’t belting like they normally do, and the whole band seemed a little on edge. Guitarists John Shay and Mike Taub held down the fort though, and by the time they started “When You’re Gone” about halfway through the set, York had hit their stride. “Boxful of Memories” killed, and the cascade of York Peppermint Patties they threw out at the end got them even more audience love. Mike Taub definitely deserves an MVP for the show, but York’s grade A finish couldn’t make up for their shaky start.
Then came The Death of Paris, with lead singer Nathan Harrop leading the fight with a stage presence and confidence unmatched in Rock Hunt so far. They were more controlled, more driving, and more energetic, putting on a show that was a bizarre mix of well-orchestrated rock and extremely well-arranged melodies. Besides a nice, quiet moment in the middle – Harrop got emotional about his past, in probably the sweetest moment of the semi-finals – their energy never dipped. Going by the sheer volume of the cheer The Death of Paris got at the end of their set, Amil Byleckie was going to have to work real hard to best DOP.
Unfortunately, Amil Byleckie never quite connected with the fans. In Zebra print and bright purple skin-tight body suits; sporting scarves, face paint, a key-tar, and a rat-tail, Amil Byleckie Band put most of the audience into a mild state of shock. Everyone else, though, danced their faces off. The thing is, Amil Byleckie Band was good – with an incredible bassist and weird, mesmerizing sounds emerging from their space-age wrist guards – they just didn’t connect to their audience, garnering a fairly tepid response through the whole show. Despite pumping out the danciest tracks of the evening, Amil Byleckie Band never really gave the crowd any WBRU sound, leaving The Death of Paris to emerge the victor.
So, it’s The Death of Paris moving on to the finals on April 8th at the Met. To get a sneak peak, head over to their myspace at http://www.reverbnation.com/thedeathofparis.
