In most instances, the term battle of the bands conjures a sad image: that is to say, a bunch of horrible-to-mediocre bands for whom winning is likely the highest level of acclaim they can hope to achieve. Attending such affairs is, for the most part, about as pleasurable as walking on a carpet of sewing pins for all but the bands and the bands friends. Grudge Rock, however, defies the notion that battles of the bands must suck. Here, two bands battle for the affection of the crowd in a Family Feud-style gameshow competition. The winner gets the door money; the loser gets prizes, meaning that everyone wins. This edition features synth surfers Head Like A Kite going head to head against the lo-fi pop buoyancy of BOAT. Itll be a close one, but no matter who comes out on top, its safe to say that everyone leaves a winner. SARA BRICKNER
Sat., Jan. 16, 8 p.m., 2010
