Music is the sound that binds the souls of millions. The Kitchener-Waterloo region is home to numerous communities centred solely around music and Laurier is no exception!
On March 21, Radio Laurier, CFRU 93.3 FM and Jam Network came together to host the Battle of the Bands featuring six local acts. The event took place at Emmanuel United Church, transforming the traditionally quiet space into a vibrant hub of live music.
Rather than being held in the church’s gymnasium, like the benefit concert held for the residents of 100vic, the battle was held within the actual church area. Rows of pews, two floors full of them, circled the centre stage, with beautiful glass-stained windows all over the walls. This holy place of worship would become an arena for the six music masters.
The aesthetic of the space was beautiful, filling with energy as floods of people took their seats. Turnout was extremely high, a predominantly local crowd composed of friends, family and music lovers alike. The show was introduced, the lights dimmed and finally, the battle began.
Opening the night was Eric Folino and the Disappearing Act, an indie folk-rock group. From lace shirts to glittering eye makeup, their visual presentation matched the energy of their sound. The set was loud, theatrical and engaging, a bold start that immediately captured the audience’s attention.
Following them was Laurier’s own Amanda Braam and the Paper Cranes, who, despite being more melancholic in comparison to the first act, delivered a stellar performance. Strong instrumentation, particularly from the bass and drums, paired with expressive vocals created a mystical performance One standout moment came when their bassist, after briefly struggling mid-song, tossed his glasses aside and launched into what the band called their “shoegaze” track, a moment that held the crowd breathless.
Another energy shift occurred with the following act. CRFU’s Nukey DaBomb (A.K.A the GTA Princess) was the first and only non-rock act in this battle. Nukey’s stage presence felt natural and confident, especially through their interactions with the audience. The shift in genre provided a refreshing contrast and kept the lineup dynamic.
Next to take the stage was Aryansha Thapar and the Phoenixes, with a brilliant rendition of The Police’s, “Message in A Bottle”. The band’s chemistry was evident throughout their set, creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The band was also the only band to play a non-English song, connecting the melting pot of culture in KW.
Shortly after their set, students of Laurier once again took the stage. The band known as Fallingbrook dazzled the room with their dominating stage presence. Using experimental feedback manipulation and shoegaze sound to create unique audio effects, their energy was unmatched. The fuzz was welcome and matched their cool, uniformed outfits
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Closing the night was Minutia who, despite technical difficulties and a missing singer, played a fun and gritty post-punk act which garnered the audience’s energy right to the end. Rising against the odds, they delivered a fantastic, polished set.
After much deliberation from the judges, Minutia was crowned victorious of the Radio Laurier’s, CRFU’S and Jam Network’s, March 2026 Battle of the Bands, receiving their own trophy – a major achievement for the local Ontario music community.
And if this event proved anything, it is that the local music scene is not only alive but thriving.
Contributed Photo/Gabriel Loperena Tovar
