On a chilly Thursday night, the quay in Exeter came alive with the sounds of emerging talent at Wildcard: One Shot, a high-stakes 'winner takes all' competition held at the vibrant BOMBA venue. Hosted by the team behind Bristol's biggest 'Battle of the Bands' event, this exhilarating evening saw five bands compete for glory and a cash prize, with the audience and industry judges sharing the responsibility of crowning the winner.

The Concept

With tickets priced modestly, the system encouraged early purchases with a twist - 'early bird' tickets, priced at £5, came with four voting cards. Fans could distribute their votes across multiple acts or cast all their votes for their favourite band, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition.

The Performances

THE VIVE: Kicking off the night, Torbay-based indie rockers THE VIVE wore their Britpop influences proudly while delivering a set of original material. Their blend of nostalgic and fresh sounds won over the audience, striking all the right chords.

TABLE SERVICE: Following up, this alternative rock quartet filled the room with lush bass melodies and a tight overall sound. Their dynamic stage presence and infectious energy kept the crowd buzzing.

3 DAYS OF WONDER: Taking the stage with rock 'n' roll vibes reminiscent of legends like Lenny Kravitz and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, 3 DAYS OF WONDER delivered killer guitar licks, undeniable chemistry, and signature moves that shook the foundations of BOMBA.

PALE MOON: Bringing a change of pace, PALE MOON's stripped-back, atmospheric soundscapes and deep, meaningful lyrics provided a moody and reflective interlude. Their music invited the audience to stand back with a glass of their favourite tipple and truly listen.

THE SCHAMBLES: Hailing from Cornwall, this garage rock band closed the competition with tight angular riffs and a thunderous backline. Their powerful performance set them apart both musically and visually, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

The Winner

After an evening filled with spectacular performances, it was 3 DAYS OF WONDER who took to the stage to receive their cheque and the applause of the enthusiastic crowd. Their undeniable talent and charisma earned them the top spot, showcasing why they are a force to be reckoned with in the music scene.

The Verdict

Wildcard: One Shot was a tremendous night, bringing together some of the finest bands from Devon and Cornwall. It provided a fantastic opportunity for music lovers of all ages to come together, enjoy great music, and support emerging artists. The event not only highlighted the incredible talent in the region but also reinforced the importance of live music and community spirit.

Words by Steve Muscutt

Pics by Matt Convery