Battle of the Bands is back for 2025! And if you weren’t at the Botanic Bar last Tuesday, then honestly… what were you even doing? Heat One of this year’s comp launched. The vibes were high, the drinks were cheap, the music was loud, there was an unreleased song or two, and even a split decision finish.
If you’ve somehow missed the memo, Battle of the Bands is a seven-week, four-heat live music showdown where bands battle it out at QUT’s iconic Botanic Bar. Think local legends, affordable bevies, and bragging rights that last way longer than your degree. It’s running every Tuesday until Week 7, and yeah…it’s only just getting started.
The Bands
First up: Angry Furniture. And no, we’re not talking about your roommate’s broken futon; this six-piece alternative rock band brought serious heat. The group is made up of Anton Tait, Valentino Bucknall, Noah Meagher, Jaydo, Alexander Parker, and Isaac Leutton. Their set was completely original, kicking off with their latest unreleased track Breaking Through, which, let’s be real, nearly did just that to our eardrums (in the best possible way).
Heavy guitars, tight percussion, dynamic stage energy; Angry Furniture brought the kind of controlled chaos that gets a room moving. The crowd was fully locked in from the first chord to the final bow. If you want more of their sonic madness (and you do), follow them on Insta @angryfurniture to keep up with their chaos (the good kind).
Next up: BlackLight, the indie rock trio from Brisbane made up of Jason Tyndall on drums, Callum Price on vocals, and Grant Wellburn on bass. These three have been jamming together since 2017 and describe their sound as a tight urban indie rock blend, and with over 1300 monthly Spotify listeners, it’s clear this band is making noise in the local music scene (literally).
Their set delivered smooth, high-impact energy with an unexpected cover of Empire of the Sun’s Walking on a Dream that had the crowd singing along. They also debuted an unreleased original track (stay tuned for a release date). Their 2023 debut album Forever Is My Only Friend is well worth a listen, and they’re currently gigging around Brisbane. Hit up their Insta @blacklightofficials for updates.
The Judgement
Battle of the Bands is judged using a three-tier system: one vote from the audience (a pink token handed out on arrival), one from our iconic Botanic Bar staff, and one from a special guest judge. This week’s judge was Jesse from Talkerspace, who brought loads of experience surrounding the local music scene. This was no landslide, just eight votes separated the two bands in the end. But it was Angry Furniture who edged ahead, securing their spot in the semi-finals and earning the first win of the 2025 Battle of the Bands season.
What’s Next?
Heat One is officially in the books, but don’t get comfy. Heat Two kicks off Tuesday, 29 July, with Offbrand and Liquid Sun taking the stage. Expect another high-energy showdown with new music, new fans, and of course, more pink tokens.
Remember: You’ve got to be there to vote. So, rally your mates, grab a Fireball, and come scream at some instruments in a very socially acceptable setting.
See you next week. You’ve got no excuse now.
