Jaycee Park buzzed with energy Friday night as students and locals gathered for this year’s Battle of the Bands put on by local alternative radio station WSBF-FM. Five local acts competed for two titles: Crowd Favorite, voted on by attendees, and Senior Staff Pick, awarded by WSBF’s senior staff.
The night’s lineup featured Splitwave, Ded Wed Lock, Benji Norman, Grease Monkeys and Cherry Vanilla, who each delivered distinctive performances.
Ded Wed Lock had the honor — and challenge — of opening the night. The Spartanburg-based group brought a fun, funky vibe to the stage. Lead singer Fay Bullard charmed the crowd with a playful tease that their set included songs “you may or may not be able to hear soon” on streaming platforms. Their performance showcased solid vocals and tight instrumentals, blending melodic moments with bursts of energy that set the tone for the evening.
If Ded Wed Lock eased the crowd into the event, Grease Monkeys threw the training wheels with a crash and a bang. From the moment they hit the stage, the band’s mission was clear: to be unforgettable. This was their debut performance, and they delivered loud, unapologetic energy with a sense of urgency.
Their lead singer, an expressive frontman, commanded attention, bounding across the stage as though the ground itself couldn’t contain him, nor could gravity. The music was raw and gritty, unpolished but powerful. For some, the intensity was overwhelming, but for others, it was exactly the chaos they came for.
Their set included several originals and a closing run of covers, including a faithful rendition of Joy Division’s “Disorder” and a crowd-pleasing punk take on the “Spider-Man” theme. Grease Monkeys’ debut felt like the start of something big and it was a first chapter worth remembering.
After the high-energy performance from Grease Monkeys, Benji Norman and his band offered a welcome change of pace. Their stripped-down, laid-back set stood out among the louder acts, drawing the audience in with its intimacy. Norman and his band weren’t about spectacle; they were about connection. Their music grounded the evening, reminding the crowd that sometimes less is more. For many, including myself, their chill set was a highlight of the night.
The energy peaked when Splitwave took the stage. From their first note, the audience was on their feet, cheering like they were already declaring the band the winner. It wasn’t just the music — though that was undeniably good — but the way Splitwave owned the stage.
The crowd exploded with excitement as the opening notes of “Mr. Brightside” rang out over the park, and they kept moving for the rest of the set. No one was surprised when Splitwave was announced as the Crowd Favorite later in the evening.
As the final act, riot grrrl group Cherry Vanilla faced the challenge of following Splitwave, but they delivered. With powerful vocals and hard-hitting lyrics, the band ended the night on a high note. By this point, the audience was fully immersed in the music, forming a mosh pit near the stage. Cherry Vanilla’s energy was the perfect send-off for a night of stellar performances.
At the end of the night, Splitwave was named Crowd Favorite, cementing their status as the evening’s standout act. Meanwhile, Grease Monkeys’ daring debut earned them the Senior Staff Pick.
This year’s Battle of the Bands wasn’t just a showcase of local talent — it was a celebration of why live music matters. From Ded Wed Lock’s unique vibe to Grease Monkeys’ unfiltered intensity, each band brought something special to the stage. The variety kept the evening fresh and exciting, giving everyone in the crowd something to love.
Jaycee Park came alive in a way that only happens when music, community and a little friendly competition come together. For those who were there, it was a night to remember. For those who missed it? There’s always next year.
