A crowd formed outside of the Forum carrying the morale and anticipation for the second heat of rE-view Battle Of The Bands. With an impressive line up with New Statesmen, 2 Many Units, The Hornosexuals and Eskimo Sandwich all making an impressive appearance the competition was going to be hot! (Despite the typical rainy English weather outside!) 2 Many Units were first up and soon gathered in the large crowd into the hall as they belted out each track with such enthusiasm and energy. They provided a solid and a striking start to the night, even thought the crowd at this point are still either too aware of others or just plain embarrassed to dance yet! Their twenty minute set soon flew by as their confidence and professionalism clearly shone out and cleared the stage for the next young talent of the North East.

Eskimo Sandwich soon made their mark on the crowd that night, with their refreshing "indie-pop" sensation. Their songs were really light hearted and easy to dance to, they got the crowd dancing and enjoying their unique and skilful sound. This local band showed others how it is really done, with over two years of experience and deserved confidence. Eskimo Sandwich put on quite a performance clearly pleasing the crowd but also obviously having fun and enjoying the experience which is what really helped the audience to enjoy the show that bit more.

Next to emerge on stage were non other but The Hornosexuals, with such a massive stage presence it was difficult to find anyone not dancing and enjoying their experimental yet explosive sound blasted out from their horns! With so many members involved in this band they carry such a big personality which was so infectious to the crowd. Playing a mixture of their old classics which everyone loves to here and new material never heard before they certainly left the stage leaving the audience wanting more!

Last but certainly not least to play were New Statesmen, a group of young gentlemen with an enormous amount of talent. Way beyond the stage of amateur skills and practising from their mom's garages this group were amazing with such professionalism and buoyancy! Despite various technical problems they successfully managed to astound the audience with their cool and unique style. It is not often you see a band at such a young age of 18 with so much potential and flair on stage. They sure didn't disappoint and made it that much harder for the audience to vote for their winner!

The votes were all in and counted and a winner had emerged. The Hornosexuals claimed their well earned trophy for winning the second heat of rE-view Battle of the Bands. All of the bands were phenomenal and a true credit to young talent within the North East, but the crowd were pleased to crown the Hornosexuals as their winner and The Hornosexuals too were extremely grateful and to be honest, really surprised and humble that they won!

Don't forget, if you are not happy with the winner of this heat and you believe another band from this heat, or any of the heats, you can vote for them to be entered into the final as a wildcard. After the third heat; 21st May, all bands will be up on the rE-view website ready for you to vote in your favourite band!

Congratulations to all the bands who took part, and especially well done to our heat 2 winners; The Hornosexuals!

Sian Williams