This Friday, February 18, 2011, Bulls in a China Shop (BICS) will play at the Door, a popular night venue in Deep Ellum. In the final round of a battle of the bands which featured 18 bands, BICS will compete against five other groups for a chance to win $1,000 as well as some much earned recognition and publicity. Consisting of two Jesuit students, Alex Wilcox ’12 and Reagan McCreary ’12, along with Adam Gonzalez (Hillcrest), John Cooke (Plano East), and Mason Young (ESD), BICS plays a unique style of music contrary to most typical high school bands. The band plays only original songs and refuses to cover anything when on stage, claiming that their creativity is vital to their image. When asked from where the band draws its influence, Alex Wilcox answered, “mostly from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and 311, but there are definitely hints of the Raconteurs, Sly and the Family Stone, and the Commodores.” This eclectic group provides for a well-rounded and diverse range of music, which Wilcox described as “a cross between blues, funk, reggae, and 90s rock.” While the band had a relatively easy time in discerning their general direction, acquiring the necessary members proved to be more of a challenge.
The band began in its early stages back in 7th grade, when Alex and Mason began playing together, with Alex on the guitar and Mason banging on the drums. After two years of playing with Alex, Mason met Adam at a jazz clinic, and the two were instantly drawn to each other’s style of music. Mason arranged a meeting between Alex and Adam, and their two styles meshed perfectly. The three began practicing regularly and were convinced that they could take the next step. Soon after, the band met John Cooke, the bassist, at Guitar Center. After an hour of improving and messing around, Alex and Adam took his contact information and pursued him as a potential band member. John worked well with the band and was ecstatic to join. Leaving only a singer left to complete the group, BICS pursued all avenues of opportunity. Initially, they settled on Dan, a singer with a rougher edge and an unattractive desire to scream. This experiment failed, leading Alex to recruit fellow Jesuit junior Reagan McCreary to the band. An instant fit, BICS finally found the last elusive piece to the puzzle and began making music. After recording a few songs with some studio equipment, friends started to ask the band to play at their parties. Word got out and within the last ten months, BICS has played around ten shows all over the metroplex. Finally, the group entered a battle of the bands contest at the Door and after making it past the first round, they have a chance to lock up the prize money and get their name out to the public.
Three weeks ago, BICS played with five other bands in a battle of the bands. Thinking they had a legitimate shot to win, the band went and played a great show and impressed the judges. One of three similar locations, the Door featured six bands, most of which were heavy metal groups. The performances were judged on musicianship, originality, and the crowd that they attracted, and BICS pulled off a first place finish that qualified them for the final round. This time, BICS will be the second to last band to play and will go on stage at 8:30. Tickets for the show are $10 if purchased from either Reagan or Alex and $12 if purchased at the Door. Aside from the obvious financial benefit, purchasing from Alex or Reagan guarantees no wait in line, a convenient advantage that should be exploited if possible. While BICS attracted a crowd of nearly 60 the last time they played, it will take more than that if they hope to win the contest and the prize. In addition to hearing some great music, the support given to fellow Jesuit students would be invaluable, and BICS requests that everyone who can come does. As entertaining as they are talented, BICS puts on a great show that leaves the audience fully satisfied and wanting more.
