Wood & Smoke Triumphs in Band Rumble

Three Orange County bands finished in the money Friday after the second installment of the Rock City Rumble band battle at Bogart’s.

Wood & Smoke was the winner, with a varied, energetic set that ranged between folk-rock and guitar-based art-rock. Don’t Mean Maybe finished second with a strong performance that featured sharp trio ensemble playing in a darting, shifting mode, akin to the Minutemen and Firehose. Guitarist Mark Andre offered nimble, edgy playing and a sense of fun. Third place went to the Nerv, mainstream heavy-pop purveyors from Newport Beach. Also competing were the Modifiers and Cactus Jack. The outcome was determined by a vote of club-goers and a panel of music writers.