Dyno Jamz, at the Sound Off finals. More in the photoset. [flickr].

EMP’s eighth annual battle of the underage bands concluded on Saturday night to a sold-out crowd (long lines of hopefuls waited outside for space to become available) in Sky Church. When all was said and done, Seattle’s own Dyno Jamz took the title. A sprawling soul-inspired combo, with winning lyricism (at one point rhyming “grandma’s house” with “I-5 South”), a rich back up section straight out of jazz band, and no shortage of charisma or confidence, it’s no surprise that they were the ones to break the long dry spell for hip-hop and claim the championship.

Overall, though, a case could have been made for any of the other finalists: Hip-hop wordsmiths SOL, wild-card quirky twee pop storytellers Dearboy, or two piece rockers Makeup Monsters (whose minimalist, off-kilter, songs and exceptional vocals played closest to my own sensibilities and made them my clear favorite). All were impressive, and not in a qualified “good for being an underage band” way. I suspect that any of them could easily be dropped into just about any lineup around town and more than hold their own against more established acts. Most of them already seemed to have tables full of merch, albums out or on-the-way, and devoted fan bases.

The fantastic prizes [emp] and guaranteed Bumbershoot slot (for Dyno Jamz) are sure to help, but I’d guess that all of these groups have bright futures. Congrats to all of them and to the EMP for showcasing the deep pool of young talent from all around the region

More pics online [flickr] and after the jump.

SOL, at the Sound Off finals. More in the photoset. [flickr].

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Makeup Monsters, More in the photoset. [flickr].

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Dearboy, at the Sound Off finals. More in the photoset. [flickr].