The band Aviatik warms up at Tuesday night’s Battle of the Bands in the Rathskeller.

Credit: Beth Rankin

From hard beating rhythms to softer rock melodies, an energetic but unusually thin crowd gathered in front of the stage for the next performance in the basement of the Student Center.

The fourth Battle of the Bands competition Tuesday night featured four alternative rock bands.

The bands played 30-minute sets to prove their musical abilities and claim first place.

At the end of the night, the winner was Godot.

About the bands

– Aviatik is a Kent-based band with a hard-rocking sound. The group includes Mike Watson, John Zarski, Louis Hausknecht and Alex Herman, who joined just two months ago. They have been practicing since summer and this was the band’s first public performance together.

This group is talented all the way around and performs with a lot of intensity. Musically, Aviatik’s hard alternative and slightly indie rock sound stems from influences such as Stone Temple Pilots, Incubus, Smashing Pumpkins and Radiohead.

– Enscouraged is an alternative band who has been together for five months. Members include Brian Teubl, Craig Teubl and Chrissy Bacher. Some of the group’s musical influences are Nirvana, The Grunge and a number of different genres of music.

The band played a solid set with strong lead vocals and drumming. This three-piece group provided a unique rock ‘n’ roll sound for its first performance.

– Godot is a local alternative band who puts a twist on performing. The group is involved in an artist collective, or performance art, where each show has a live painter onstage. The band consists of Jake Lazear, Justin Hofmann, Brian Robertson and Ryan Downy.

Some of Godot’s musical influences include Wilco, Beck and Modest Mouse, which is apparent in the band’s wide-ranging style. Downy’s smooth vocals along with distinct keyboards complement the band’s energy. They are releasing an album this summer and plan to tour outside Ohio.

– Waterpipes is a band who has been together for two years and often plays shows at the Agora and Peabody’s in Cleveland. Members include Kyle Cheuvront, Paul Kelley, Eric Summers and Parker Bantum.

The group provides a hard-rocking style combined with a dominant stage presence, which sets it apart from other bands. They have a three-song demo CD recorded and are continually evolving and trying new stuff. Musical influences for the band include Deftones, 311 and Incubus.

Contact local music reporter Allison Bugg at [email protected].