When mixer asked the readers to submit their picks for the 2007 "Best Of" survey, we received an overwhelming response compared to 2006.

Nearly 600 people submitted their entries, and when it came to favorite band, Trainwreck came out on top once again.

Contributed photo (ENLARGE)

But it was an underground folk rock/country band, Iron Sides and the Gospel Years, that gave Trainwreck some real competition and was voted second.

Before one of their shows at the Spazzatorium Galleria, I broke the news to the ones who hadn't yet heard of their standing in the survey.

"We would have won if it wasn't rigged," joked the bassist "Fat Back," leaning against the wall and eating out of a plastic take along container.

But on the other side of the room, front man and guitarist "Iron Sides" said they weren't surprised to hear that they — a band that just had their first show in September 2007 — had so many votes.

"We've got Internet buddies," he said.

Their first show was also at the Spazz, shortly after Iron Sides and guitarist Brandon Sowers decided they wanted to play country music infused with the songs they all heard growing up below the Mason Dixon line.

"We all grew up on gospel music and bluegrass," Iron Sides said. "It has an influence on what we play ... It's part of growing up in the South. If you grew up in the rural South especially, it's just what's around you."

"We usually play here once or twice a month just to keep, keep the uh —"

"Keep the fans happy!" drummer Nolan Smock interjected. "We're the No. 2 local band!"

Which is still quite an accomplishment for a band that has stayed mostly under the radar. And members say they're happy to be where they're at.

"I think the best part of being part of this (underground scene) is you have the liberty to do whatever you want," Sowers said. "We don't have to play a bunch of stuff we don't like ... People seem to get into it, so it's nice."

And any last words to the fans who voted?

"'Preciate it," Sowers said laughing.

"Thanks for making us No. 2," Fat Back said.

But then on a serious note he added, "It's makes us happy we had just one vote ... The fact that someone else out there appreciates it — can't beat that."

Check out video from the interview at the show at www.reflector.com/mixer.

Contact Kristin Day at 329-9579 or kday@coxnc.com.