LOCAL band Recode have rocked their way to the top of the pops in a battle of the bands competition.

The Late Gig Battle of the Bands took place at the 12 Bar in Westcott Place and was organised by Terry Yau, Fran May and Malcolm Wood, of 105.5 community radio, in aid of Goldenhar Family Support Group and the radio station.

The eventual winners were competing against Bateleurs, Jenny’s Half and Guitar Stools and Cigarettes.

All of the bands had been voted through to the final by fans via an online voting system and the judges, who included Paul Holmes, of Holmes Music, Adam Cowley, of Swindon Music, and Flicky Harrison, of the Swindon Advertiser, had a tough time picking a winner.

“It was really tough as all four bands gave such high energy performances and were all excellent musicians,” said Flicky.

“Each set was exciting to watch and the bands all engaged with the audience.

“In truth they were all winners having been voted to the final by their fans, which shows a strong base from which to step up the music ladder.”

There was a good crowd at the event supporting the musicians. Recode, made up of Steph Heath, James Creighton, Luke Coare and Dan Creighton, kicked off proceedings with gusto and their tracks Don’t Push Your Luck and Tonight got the crowd on their feet and dancing.

Recode won a day’s recording in Amber Studios, £50 worth of vouchers to spend at Holmes Music plus a feature interview in Frequency magazine.

Terry said: “It has been a great night and everyone played brilliantly.

“Well done to Recode for winning.”

The Late Gig is broadcast on Sunday nights from 9pm to 11pm and is aimed at the local music scene promoting Swindon bands and giving their music airplay to reach a wider audience.