Band gigs are aplenty in February! While Singapore sees an influx of big names like Franz Ferdinand and Oasis arriving for mega concerts, we would like to pay tribute to an event which showcases the best of our own local music talent. The 8th edition of Jam X, an annual inter-tertiary rock band competition, puts budding acts to the ultimate test with hype and anticipation building quickly to boiling point.

Held at *scape (behind Orchard Cineleisure) and featuring guest performances by Singapore Idols Taufik, Sylvester and Olinda and local acts such as Turning Point (Champion of Jam X 2005) and ever popular Ronin, the little park behind Orchard Cinepleisure was packed with young fans clamouring to catch a glimpse of their idols.

Unfortunately, the crowd quickly became thin and tame after the commencement of competition proper . There were none of the expected groupies, black leather or body surfing we've come to associate rock festivals with. Instead, most supporters stayed away from the stage. Sabrina, 20, said of the lackluster crowd, "It's interesting that we are supporting local talent BUT the crowd is not responsive!"

While the supporters lacked enthusiasm, the 8 finalist bands promised to deliver anything but a run-of-the-mill performance with bombastic names like 5.1, The Rachels, Dfunked, Peroxide, Good Soup, Dubious Brothers, Streetsites and Ridge. With immense rhythmic talent and stage flair so unrepresentative of boring and stifling Singapore schools, the bands made use of full, twangy bass lines, hard chunky guitar and driving rhythms throughout their acts.

Dubious Brothers (NUS Kent Ridge Hall) were especially popular with their radio-friendly tunes. New convert fan CJ from NUS Architecture shouted, "There's no competition for the Dubious Brothers!" Even the initially restless crowd was charmed to toe-thump their way through the band's catchy beats. Despite the set being slightly rushed, the crowd lap up to their rock tunes and love every minute of it. Influenced by the Doobie Brothers, energetic and excitable lead singer Lin grooved to his own tunes in a strange yet charismatic way, impressing more than a few fluttery hearts. Girls yearning for his telephone number, wait in line!

Competition between hot favorites The Rachels (NUS Kent Ridge Hall) and Ridge (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) was so heated that both acts sounded like they would be tearing around the stage leering over the crowd. Original Composition winner The Rachels' dazzling set of rock and jazz in their winning composition "A World Less Ordinary" had the dancing crowd throwing their hands in the air in utter ecstacy as they drive killer beats through a pulsating set. The Christina Aguillera-inspired Rachels practised for two whole months for the competition while Ridge, made up of easy-going boys practise by jamming sparingly before the competition.

For the record, Dubious Brothers won while Ridge and The Rachels came in as second and third runners-up respectively.

"We want to do something great with our original songs. This is in tribute to the Doobie Brothers!" so said the Dubious Brothers.

More photos at the Funkygrad Gallery