ECU Battle of the Bands 2008

After three hours of battling for supremacy, Raleigh-based rockers The Jealousy Game won over the crowd and the judges for a $500 prize and the chance to open for Cute Is What We Aim For during Barefoot At the Mall April 24.

Punk darlings Princess and the Criminals tried to set the tone for the evening as students found seating on the floor and pool tables in the Pirate Underground.

"Come to the front; don't be losers," drummer Kim Thompson called from the back of the stage.

But even with one of the most energetic frontwomen in town, it may have been too early for the collegiate crowd.

"Let this crowd know what it feels like to be around some stinky punk kids," vocalist Tiffany Banwart screamed.

Arielle Bryant - the only solo act of the night - took stage second with just a chair, a microphone and an acoustic guitar. She wowed the audience with her incredible voice and impassioned lyrics like, "I cut holes in the soles of my shoes, so I could feel the road that leads to you."

Bananas N Blow brought a little more rock energy to the crowd with their alternative feel, and made several new friends with a slew of free T-shirts.

Social Experiment, who took second place with just two points less than the winners, had a large cheering section before they even played a note. The five-piece band, headed by a cowboy-boot-wearing guitarist/songstress, was a crowd favorite. But it was The Jealousy Game's talent and stage presence that brought home the cash and the gig.

The Jealousy Game will open the show at Barefoot At the Mall, which is headlined by Cute Is What We Aim For.