The Battle of the Bands Puts on a Show

On Friday April 22, Somers High School hosted their second annual Battle of the Bands. Before about 50 students, parents and teachers, Chopped Liver won the two band competition. But the accolade wasn’t as important as the kinetics to lead singer and guitarist Gordon Mescain-Archer.

“It’s just so energetic,” the Rock ’n Roller asserted.

That said, his band performed Shine by Collective Soul, Hard to Handle by the Black Crows and I Bet you Look Good on the Dancefloor by Arctic Monkey, and in no way was the presentation a chop job for the four members. “It’s a great way to show off our talent,” said Mescain-Archer.

Jake Mohan definitely did so behind the drums and took pride in going out in style. “It’s my last time, I’m a senior,” said Mohan.

Mikey Abrams, on the other hand, is just a rookie and he rejoiced the switch in vantage point. “I was there last year, and it was a lot of fun to be in the audience. But it was even more fun to be on stage,” said the sophomore guitarist.

Sean Kim, though, wasn’t new to the billing, and the win was by design. “We put a lot of work into this,” said Kim. “I’ve been practicing, and it’s nice to see the hard work pay off.”

As for his role on bass, his twang is meant to apply the glue. “I like being part of the rhythm, which helps keep the band intact,” said the senior, who will be studying music next year at RPI.

His counterpart in second place won’t be pursuing music at the next level and took advantage of the fact that her band’s songs weren’t that bass heavy. “Since I wasn’t doing anything intense anyway, why not go all out with my outfit,” said Jett Sofko.

A bit of purple hair, some sly sunglasses, a sleeveless t-shirt and a few well placed chains, the instrumentalist carried enough cool for everyone. Of course, her swag didn’t overshadow the playing of Thank you for the Venom, My Chemical Romance and My Own Worst Enemy and she wasn’t really trying to. “I just wanted to have fun,” said Sofko.

Sara Vala agreed and wasn’t sweating second place either. Instead, the vibe she gets from her mates is the most important thing. “I’ve always wanted to play in a band with people who like the same music I do,” she said. “I found them, and it’s pretty awesome.”

Her green socks stacked up too, and she spared no expense to locate a proper pair. “I found them at a gas station,” she joked.

A bigger crowd would have been preferable, but it wasn’t hard to make due. “The people who do come here, they bring energy, and that’s what we’re looking for,” said Vala.

Any shortfall was then made up by Coleen Soriano. The MC got down in the pit and up on the stage, where she was in charge of revving the RPMs. “I hyped up the crowd, and made sure the fans and bands were feeling it,” said the senior.

No need for Jay Seaboldt, he’s amenable wherever there’s a stage. “I just like performing,” said the Socks drummer.

Jayden Rodriguez was in the same boat. “I just like music,” said the lead singer. “I get to play all the songs I love and make my own stuff.”

The Caveman got the chance to do both as the opening act. But winning was off the table after being crowned last year, and guitarist Matt Renne was bothered in the least. “I don’t make the rules, I just play by them,” said the senior.

And he definitely delivered. “I set up and put on a show,” said Renne, and for everyone who stood down at home, he obviously wasn’t the only one.