As the school year settles in and UWM’s Fall Welcome season comes to a close, Prowl Radio’s third annual “Battle of the Bands” brought rock, emo punk, and Panther Pride that still ring in our eardrums a few weeks later.
Beginning back in 2023, the “Battle of the Bands” brings together four local Milwaukee bands to compete head-on, with the crowd deciding who will be the reigning champion of the event.
“We had a very diverse lineup this year,” said Ian Dugenske, Prowl Radio’s Station Manager. “I really think that any crowd-goer got a wonderful sample pack of local sounds, each bringing their own approach to the stage.”
The bands headlining “Battle of the Bands” were: Bowvee, ourVanity, Disposable Thumbs, and Adorner.
Bowvee
Starting off the night strong was Bowvee, an up-and-coming artist right here in Milwaukee. Spearheaded by singer Nick Bove, the band Bowvee takes clear inspiration from bands like Soccer Mommy, Dayglow and especially Wallows.
Bowvee brought a bright, pop-y feel to bolster the start of the competition. Their music was sweet and earnest, wearing their hearts on their sleeves. Although there was no moshing during their time on stage, the honest and almost nostalgic play of the band took the hearts of the crowd.
The band’s setlist featured songs like “La Croix“, “Sweetheart” and a single from the band’s upcoming album, “Pumpkin Pie“.
ourVanity
Taking the stage after Bowvee was the band ourVanity. Their music blends a mix of genres, including shoegaze, psychedelic rock, and just a touch of folk rock, to make their own unique voice.
The band takes its shoegaze-rock influence from the band Title Fight. At one point during their time on stage, the band played the song “Where Am I” by their creative inspiration.
ourVanity’s intense and passionate play fueled the start of the infamous moshpit that has become tradition at the Battle of the Bands competition.
Disposable Thumbs
Disposable Thumbs, the alt-rock trio featuring UWM alumni, mixes together an assortment of genres together creating a wild and spectacular ride of a performance. The play of pop-rock, screamer rock, alternative funky rock and even jazz added to the mix made the band stand out amongst the others.
The band rode the wave that ourVanity and Bowvee had started with their performances. Disposable Thumbs’ distinct voice spoke to the crowd; the blend of the genres made it impossible not to at the very least nod your head. A crowd member even backflipped during their time on stage.
Adorner
Adorner is spearheaded by a keyboard vocalist with incredible musicians playing behind her. The band is almost similar to the band Alice in Chains, but their sound is so individual that it is not worth comparing the two.
Adorner has a very funky sound that can switch tempo on a dime and still feel incredibly earned. The pieces that make up the band (like the bass guitar, the keyboard, the vocals and especially the drums) caused eyebrows to raise by just how impressive all of it came together.
The band covered “Creep” by Radiohead, which easily won over the crowd. But what really remained after Adorner stepped off the stage was their music and their passionate play.
The Winner Is…
Bowvee!
“It was an incredible honor to even be picked to play at [Battle of the Bands],” said Nick Bove, lead singer of the band. “Prowl Radio did an amazing job and made it an incredible experience for us artists.”
Bowvee’s upcoming album, “Pumpkin Pie”, will be released on October 3rd.
What’s Next For Prowl Radio?
Prowl Radio’s Station Manager, Ian Dugenske, is excited for the future. “[Battle of the Bands] really serves as the catalyst to kicking off the school year for [Prowl Radio],” Dugenske said. “As well as serving as a beacon to attract members new and old.”
Prowl Radio has released its schedule of DJs for the fall semester, with all new DJs that will be bringing their own individual taste in music to the radio station.
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