Parama: Esben and the Witch - No Dog
I really liked the beginning of this one, but once it slowed down and the vocals came in it was just kind of "ok". I liked the guitar and drums alot, they were definitely the highlight for me. Overall, this is kind of a classic "good but not great" song.
Grade: 6.5
Sacul: Swans - Lunacy
I really liked the intro to this song, it was really dark and brooding. I wasn't that big on the vocals, and the "Lunacy" part went on a little long, but otherwise this was a good song, with some pretty unique aspects to it.
Grade: 6.5
Tyrias: Bilderbuch - Spliff
This was a pretty fun song. Very laid back and chill atmosphere to it. The bass was probably my favorite aspect, as it was pretty funky. Quite an enjoyable tune.
Grade: 7
Scorpion: Extreme - Take us alive
After seeing the name Extreme, I was like "Dude, this was the no metal round!". But then the music started and it was most certainly not metal. This was a different style, but it reminded me a lot of Tyrias' song, in that it was really laid back and fun.
Grade: 7
Shadow Ninja: Rise Against - Hero of War
I've heard a couple Rise Against songs, and honestly I was never a big fan. However, I'd never heard an acoustic song from them before, and I was pleasantly surprised as it turned out to be a lot better than I expected. Nothing super special, but definitely an enjoyable song to listen to.
Grade: 7.5
Splent: Brand X - Born Ugly
I'm a huge Genesis fan, and I always knew Phil Collins did some other projects, but I never actually listened to any of them. That was a mistake, cause this is some good stuff. Really nice groove going throughout the song, with Phil consistently showing why he's one of my favorite drummers. There were a couple times where I felt the song lost a little focus, but overall I really enjoyed it.
Grade: 8
Train of Naught: Rival Sons - Keep on Swinging
Yeah, this definitely had a throwback classic rock kind of vibe, although with a little modern twist to make it it's own thing. Really fun, energetic song with some solid vocals and a great guitar solo. Really good stuff.
Grade: 8
Senecadawg: Sufjan Stevens - Fourth of July
I think you got the wrong holiday here, buddy
. In all seriousness, this song was pretty powerful stuff. Loved the melancholic atmosphere. Not a whole lot else to say, but I really like this one.
Grade: 8
Only a difference of 1.5 between first and last this round.
STANDINGS
1. Splent - 52
2. Shadow Ninja - 51.5
2. Senecadawg - 51.5
4. Train of Naught - 50
5. Parama - 49
6. Sacul - 48.5
6. Scorpion - 48.5
8. Tyrias - 47.5
OK, I honestly have no idea what round it is (I think it's gotta be like 6 or something), but since I've been slacking a lot recently I'll go ahead and call this the final round, so time to pull out all the stops, as this is still anyone's game. The round will be open too. Good luck and may the best man win!