BATTLE of the bands just got interesting.

The third week in The Herald's South West Battle of the Bands 2010 competition was a cracker.

Two heats, seven bands, great crowds and headaches for the judges.

The acts fought an epic war of riffs on Wednesday and Thursday nights — but only four booked themselves places in next month's quarter-finals.

The nights at Crash Manor were simply rocking.

Heat five kicked off with classic rockers Six Shooter, who blew the venue away with catchy riffs, great drumming and an eye-catching stage performance.

Second up was Woodface, a really tight, polished band whose relaxed indie style was infectious.

Sounds Like A Plan, who have been in the competition before, followed up with a punchy rock performance.

Then 24:7 City Blueprint finished the night off with Manic Street Preachers-esque vocals set against an upbeat indie-rock set.

It was a headache for the judges. Only two bands could go through and there were four worthy of a place in the quarters. But after much heated debate it was Six Shooter and 24:7 City Blueprint who just shaded it, with Woodface being invited back to the contest's Second Chance Tuesday on August 17.

On another night, Sounds Like A Plan could have gone through but that's how it goes.

Paddy Baker, 28, frontman for Six Shooter, said: "We had a great set but then we watched every band and we were really nervous because they were all so good. But we were so pleased to go through."

Paul Tippett, 32, 24:7 City Blueprint vocalist, said: "The last time we were in Battle of the Bands was years ago when The Herald ran it at The Britannia. We went through the first round then and it was brilliant to go through the first round again."

Thursday kicked off with Drinking Peanuts, who were minus their bass player. But the folky, poppy trio offered something different to the competition with beachside melodies which the crowd lapped up.

Urban Foxes and their big fanbase followed up with some awesome self-penned tunes — and a fantastic drummer, who is interestingly in another band still in the competition, the Corsairs.

One band had dropped out on the night so Elithia finished the heat off in truly polished style. A gutsy metal performance with high energy and beautiful, gifted musicianship.

The judges chose Elithia and Drinking Peanuts to go through to the quarters — but Urban Foxes will come back for Second Chance Tuesday. And that means two bands on that night will have the same drummer...

The next heat will take place on Wednesday night. Doors will open at 7.30pm, with bands on from 8pm. Anyone can go along to watch — including under-18s — with entry just £3 at the door.

The winners of the final next month will win thousands of pounds worth of prizes. The competition is certainly heating up.

To view video footage of the first six heats, visit www.thisis plymouth.co.uk and also check out Facebook for Crash Manor's Battle of the Bands group.