The Cellar bar in Bedford was booming at the start of April as five budding artists and bands took part in the Battle of the Bands finale, vying for the votes and support of the public.
Starting with 10 talented contestants, three tense heats narrowed the finalists of the annual Battle of the Bands competition down to just five: Charlie Arbon, Sycamore, Dead Villains, Official 27 Club and Wranger.
From the outside, the venue is subtle and intriguing, but once you’re through the door and down the steps, you become shoulder to shoulder in a bustling atmosphere of underground excitement and a stage full of potential.
Runners up of the night were Sycamore, nostalgic of 60s and 70s rock and roll, and literally looking like they’d jumped out of a time machine – they were full of character, energy and talent.
Sam McCarthey, singer/rhythm guitarist, said: “We believe this Saturday was definitely the strongest and most confident we’ve been whilst on stage together.”
Despite being one member down, champions of the night were Wranger, a 00s-style rock band whose amazing stage presence and connection to the audience, alongside original tracks, ultimately won them the most votes and the chance to release their own music.
Singer/rhythm guitarist Jack Jolley described the victory as “a huge milestone for Wranger [that] marks the start of a journey we hope will be a very, very special one”.
Brandon Dunmore, bassist, said: “Being one member down, we were the underdogs of the night, and that motivated me to put on the best performance I could.”
The artists wouldn’t have had any recognition at all if it weren’t for the loyal support of family, friends and passers-by, unveiling some of Bedford’s hidden charms of entertainment – venue-wise and talent-wise.
