FROM: Disney Tale of the Tape Published Every Other Saturday

The British Invasion vs Off-Kilter

In the red corner, wearing Union Jack shorts - The British Invasion! And in the blue corner, wearing matching kilts - Off Kilter! Preeeeeesenting: Battle of the Disney Bands! Dan Sisneros expects a clean fight, no sour notes, and may the best band win!

- Dan Sisneros, April 23, 2011

Welcome to our feature match, a special 'Battle of the Disney Bands', as The British Invasion brawls with Off Kilter! Let's look at the Tale of the Tape:

These two groups are favorites of all music lovers at Epcot. Since each band member will be stepping into the ring, this match is more of a 'battle royal' than it is a 'boxing match', but we've still scheduled it for five rounds. Let's head to ringside...

ROUND 1: Settings

The British Invasion (BI) have a little bandstand set up in the back courtyard area of the United Kingdom Pavilion. It's an intimate setting, very casual. Benches in front of the stage accommodate those who arrive early, but most people sit or stand in the courtyard. I like to park myself on a curb towards the back for a full view of the stage.

Off Kilter (OK) perform on a stage set up on the walkway between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions. Some benches are available. The crowd tends to increase during the performance as passersby stop to hear a song or two. Since the sets aren't too long, we don't mind standing behind the benches and moving to the music.

Both settings are great and fit the bands perfectly.

BI's small gazebo stage is tucked into its own area. To get there, you have to be going there, and the isolation lends a casual vibe to the performance.

OK's set up feels almost like a 'rock' venue, though when you're not focused on the band you can still see the sights of the World Showcase (the Lagoon is right behind you) and the streams of people walking past, giving OK concerts more of a party atmosphere.

BI comes off as a controlled 'show', OK as a sometimes chaotic "concert". Both are awesome, but Off Kilter takes the lead with a score of 10-9 in round 1.

ROUND 2: Visuals

Off Kilter wear kilts during their performance, and they offer a high energy Celtic rock show. But how do you compete with THE BEATLES? The British Invasion wear different Beatles garb from different eras. I've seen them in suits similar to those worn by the real Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show, in the psychedelic outfits from the Sgt. Pepper days, and in their casual 'shirts and vests' garb.

If you're a Beatles fan, you can't help but to try to compare the look of each performer with the Beatle he portrays. And since it's Walt Disney World, you can let your imagination go, and pretend that you're watching the real Beatles in concert!

This is a big round for BI, and even though no knockdowns were scored, I've got to make this a 10-8 for the Invasion.

ROUND 3: Music

The British Invasion play a mix of Beatles songs, as well as songs from other 60's British rock era bands. All of the songs were formerly hits for their respective artists, and it's very easy to sing along with them.

Off Kilter play a mix of their own originals, with some oldies and classic rock hits, done 'Off Kilter Style'.

Honestly, both bands are very good. But for this judge, there's no way you can lose if you are playing songs from the Beatles. The British Invasion take this round 10-9.

ROUND 4: Fan Reaction

This is a very close round with both contestants scoring lots of punches.

Off Kilter get a great reaction from the fans at every performance. There's lots of hand-clapping, sing-alongs, and even some dancing. OK put more power (and volume) into their performances. They're wilder. And that seems to get the crowd into a dancing mood. Lots of fun, and a great time at every show.

The British Invasion also get a great reaction from the crowd, but it's a very different reaction, more reverent. Although there are no teenage girls screaming and fainting at the appearance of these Beatles, BI shows seem more formal, with plenty of sing-alongs but not much dancing.

Both groups get their fans involved in their shows, and this was a close round to score. But I have to give the edge to Off Kilter. Their audience seems more willing to become participants rather than merely listeners. Off Kilter takes it 10-9.

ROUND 5: Intangibles

The two very different styles of these bands have made for a great match up! This final round will determine a winner.

We have, on the one hand, the unique style of Off Kilter, Celtic rockers wearing kilts (I mean, there is nothing like that anywhere else!), and on the other hand, the visually stunning performance of The British Invasion in an English tea garden.

This is a bout that could easily go either way, and if these bands met in the ring 10 times, they'd probably each win 5 times. But for this match, I have to give the edge in round 5 to The British Invasion 10-9.

JUDGES' FINAL SCORECARD

The final bell rings, and the fans are on their feet clapping and chanting for their favorite. Both sides think they have won, and we go to ring announcer Bob McLain for the announcement of the winner...

Judge #1 scores the bout 48-47 for The British Invasion. Judge #2 scores the bout 49-46 for Off Kilter. And Judge Dan Sisneros scores the bout 48-47 for the winner by SPLIT Decision...

THE BRITISH INVASION.

So The British Invasion squeak out a victory in what will probably be their final bout at the Disney Dispatch Arena. (Their last performance at Epcot will be April 30, 2011.) They've had a great run, and they leave as winners. Off Kilter may return to the ring some day to face off against whomever replaces The British Invasion.

Next Week:
Jungle Cruise vs Kilimanjaro Safaris in a Battle of the Beasts!

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