Alton, Lounge Bar, September 3 

THIS show marked the third round in the Battle of the Bands programme, where all the finalists get a prize.

This line-up included a couple of Basingstoke bands, as well an an Alton one. The running order is decided randomly on the night and Basingstoke metallers Biolith had the honour of opening up.

The drama started even before the show as one of their guitarists fell down the stairs whilst carrying gear for the show and was taken to A&E.

Still, the guys went ahead and did their best with 80% of the band and to be honest, they did very well indeed.

Basingstoke Gazette:

I would go so far as to say if you didn't know they were a five-piece, you would not have realised there was anything untoward. So full marks for professionalism and a very fine heavy-metal set.

Next up were a local punk band, The Imbeciles - who are very young, but very enthusiastic. I first saw them about a year ago and was pretty impressed. I have seen them several times since and each time, they have gotten better.

Basingstoke Gazette:

At this performance, they were on fire - it was one of the best punky-sets I have ever seen. It was not technically brilliant, but it didn't have to be, the passion was there and loads of very short, very fast, angry songs. They really are an outstanding band.

Last up were Varsity, from Basingstoke, who are relatively new, but who have a line up which includes many experienced musicians from other bands. This would be the first time I had seen them and I was impressed by the number of family and friends they had brought along to support them.

Basingstoke Gazette:

They are very tight, technically excellent, post-pop-punk in style, although they are a little hard to nail down. They played very well and got a good reaction from the crowd.

The only downside is that they would not be able to make the final and so they could not win this heat - but it did not hurt their performance.

So in the end, it was between the other two bands and in fact The Imbeciles won by a landslide. But I don't think this should reflect badly on Biolith, who were down a man and faced a younger, generally more punky audience.

Big up to all the bands who played and to Catherine for putting on the show.

Neil Duncan, ISSUEPUNKZINE