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Once again the second annual Savage Talent Showcase brought out some of the most promising and talented bands from Pleasanton, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose and the East Bay area.
With so many "Battle of the Bands" events popping up throughout the local club scene it's easy to become a bit jaded with yet another contest; however, the thing that makes the Savage Talent Showcase a bit different is their sincere focus on creating opportunities for local bands.
It is clear that these events are not just an exploitative ploy to fill a club on a slow night. It is truly designed to give promising local bands much needed exposure and a leg up in a very competitive industry.
Elf Farm Raffle took home the well-deserved first prize of cash and recording time at Hillside Recorders. Their loyal fans came out in full force to support this soulful Pleasanton band. The Elf Farm did not disappoint, delivering an especially energetic set of powerful vocals and beautiful guitar melodies backed by a solid rhythm section. After hearing Elf Farm Raffle you simply feel like life may not be so hard after all.
Running a very close second was Sacramento's own InRuin. This band was absolutely explosive! InRuin came to play with an outstanding stage show and a punishing metal sound that made everyone stop and take notice of a band at the top of their game.
Bringing in the third prize was the San Francisco based Dorsoul. This young band had a surprisingly tight sound with strong song writing abilities that will surely make them a band to watch in the future.
These showcases have been so successful that Savage Productions will be hosting their third Savage Talent Showcase at Roosters Roadhouse in Alameda. This one will be an ALL AGES event. For more info check out www.asavageproduction.com
-Boo
- Zero Magazine
Nobody really expects eclectic music to hail from Livermore, CA. Whoever thought the land of Nuclear Cowboys could put together such an action packed show on April 12 at the Pine Street Bar and Grill?
I got there just in time to check out the second band in the line up, Grave Shaker. Their music was as upbeat as their on-stage performance, but it was nothing that would keep me from playing pool. Next up was a band called Marble. I don’t know if they opened up with a Judas Priest cover or what, but they’re whole set sounded like one big drunken joke. They were nice enough to hand out free CDs afterward, but personally, mine has not made it out of the wrapper.
Finally the band to really look out for had arrived. Known as The Stoned Messiahs, they had this Suicidal Tendencies-meets-early-90s metal sound, and boy did it work. The trio left in haste before I could get any of their names, but word through the grapevine is these guys play throughout the bay frequently. They’ll be playing at the Rooster’s Roadhouse in Alameda next.
Despite a strong performance by the Messiahs, the story of the night was Pleasanton’s own “Elf Farm Raffle”(EFR). After winning Savage Productions Battle of the Bands last March, this sextet has really emerged with a traveling fan base and an ideal sound that no band in the Oakland East Bay Area has yet to match. Even with a time slot of 1 a.m., the place was packed and everyone stopped to focus on there set. Most regulars at the Pine Street have deemed EFR their favorite band.
Led by Brandon Vigil’s incredible vocals, EFR plays with such intense energy and passion, you would think by the end of such songs as “Motor Run” and “Under the Willows” that they were in tears, at least that’s how Vigil looked. And no band could beat the percussion duo of bongo player Matt Vincent and former Fellatia drummer Brandon Harper. A few of their highlighted solos had the crowd cheering.
Elf Farm Raffle’s debut CD was supposed to be released last April, but was delayed for better production quality. Check out Elf Farm Raffle at Union Jack’s in Pleasanton on June 14 where they will be headlining a double-set show. And look forward to their CD, “So Much For The Echoes,” set to be released sometime this summer. - Youth Outlook
Discography
"So Much For The Echoes..."
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Bio
IT'S JUST A WAY / TO FIND THE DEEPEST RAGE / FROM THE SWEETEST RHYME / AND IT'S MY TIME
- "Radio", Elf Farm Raffle
Elf Farm Raffle is living proof that the Bay Area music scene is alive and well. This Pleasanton-based band is already turning many an ear throughout California with their debut album, "So Much for the Echoes…"(available worldwide on www.amazon.com).
After easily winning Savage Productions Battle of the Bands in early 2003, Elf Farm Raffle has quickly grown a loyal fan base and gotten the attention of local music publications. The band has recently played prominent venues such as Slim's and The Great American Music Hall in San Francisco, as well as legendary houses like Los Angeles' celebrity-strewn Viper Room.
The magic of Elf Farm Raffle is in the whole of its parts. They exhibit a sound that is at once familiar, and yet, very original. The six piece group mixes an unlikely combination of the tried and true rock and roll formula of raw, emotional vocals, driving bass, versatile electric guitar, and powerful drums, with the arid groove of an acoustic guitar and rhythmic accents from a traditional percussionist.
Yet Elf Farm Raffle does not dichotomize itself as half pugnacious rockers / half earthy jam band, but rather merges into a perfect hybrid of insinuating, explosive melodies that are instantly memorable. This combination is apparent throughout "So Much for the Echoes…", starting with the first track "Under the Willows" to the very last track "To Build a Bonfire", whose lyrics inspired the album's title.
Each song in Elf Farm Raffle's repertoire has the focus, energy, and conviction of a band destined for bigger things. Elf Farm Raffle is currently recording an acoustic EP to tide their eager fans over until their next full-length album, slated for 2005.
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