THE search is on to find Kent finest rising music stars with kmfm's debut Battle of The Bands competition.

Some of the most promising acts in the county have stepped up to the mark to test themselves against budding their budding rock peers.

Canterbury is fielding some strong contenders in the In East Kent heat for the contest on Monday, September 25 at the Tonic Bar. I Call Shotgun have been making waves in the county with their edgy, alternative sound and full-on shows.

Hook are also in with a strong shout having gaine considerable performance experience and trade in a more considered brand of melodic rock. Also in the race are three-piece metal act Downfall and four-strong Herne Bay outfit Stranded.

Medway’s resurgent indie scene has fielded some strong rock gruops in recent times and this trend shows no sign of slowing. The Tap n’Tin heat on Tuesday, September 26 features talented Floyd and Zeppellin inspired indie hopefuls Quadmyre. They are up against alternative rockers Surface, female fronted power-punks Left of the Right Side and edgy Gravesend metal merchants Life Sentence.

The Forum in Tunbridge Wells plays host to the West Kent heat. Competition will be fierce between the selected acts. These include the infectious grooves of three-piece The Belgrave Scandal. who recently recorded a session at the BBC. The lads will be up against the Radiohead influenced Sevenscore plus funk rock acts Intraverse and Standing In Lines.

Ashford’s scene is also in a healthy state and its heat is being held at the Star on Tuesday, October 3. D-Finitive are certain to be ones to watch with their Red-Hot Chili Pepper flavoured sound. Hoping to match them on the night are Tremors, favouring a breezy brand of chilled-out summer rock. They are joined by hard-working three piece pop-punks dan.ed.will and acoustic songsmiths The Diarys.

Flying the punk flag at Thanet’s Lido on Wednesday, October 4 are local favourites Shibby, who are capable of whipping up a storm with their pull-no-punches sound. Manic Street Preechers fans Make Always Last will be vying for the honours alongside serious heavy metalers Sentinel and alt-pop band Film Club.

Meanwhile, Shepway is being represented at Rivals Nightclub on Thursday, October 5 by ironically-named punk act The Mighty Hush, four-piece newcomers On The Fence, three piece Blahmedd XD and alternative troupe Hey Zeus!

For more details see bands.kmfm.co.uk >>>