The hulas made their rivals jump through hoops on Thursday night, after a sassy performance saw them through to The Herald South West Battle of the Bands competition’s semi-finals.

The all-girl indie trio from Liskeard rocked The Hub during the second heat of this year’s contest.

The girls blended fine lyrics and pumping crank-up guitar work from lead singer Lois Gately, who displayed all the quirky qualities of a Louise Wener-esque frontwoman. Bassist Lucy Gately was the perfect laid-back complement, while Emma Hill on drums was both tight and super-energetic.

They were a breath of fresh air in an indie/rock world still dominated by men.

It was another top night of live music which - yet again - left the judges with headaches when it came to choosing which two bands should take the long and winding road to the semi-final stages.

Renegade Beat and My Darkest Day have already progressed to the semis - but the next batch of five were all pumped up and ready to give it their all.

Plymouth post-punk poppers The Critical Hit started off the night, but despite a great performance from guitarist Megan Derby the band didn’t really match the quality of the other acts on the night.

Next up were Katyusha Rockets, a raw baggy punk outfit from Torquay. They set the evening alight with an awesome stage show full of grit and menace.

Devon indie band Chasing Faces were third up and they too were raw and talented - but not quite as eye-catching as the Katyusha boys.

The Hulas followed and drew all eyes to the stage with their polished performance.

And another breath of fresh air to finish off the heat was supplied by Isla Sky, epic indie smoothies hailing from Exeter.

The band centred on calming indie tunes, with a touch of balladry and a lick of psychedelia in the set.

They were fairly dull in places but were also outstanding in others - so if they cut out the bland bits the lads may stand a good chance of getting through to the final on May 1.

And it was they whom the judges chose to progress through, along with The Hulas.

It was another night of fun in the third annual Herald South West Battle of the Bands competition at the Bath Street venue.

Plenty of people packed the Hub - and showed how far the grand regional competition has come over the past three years.

And long may it last.

Visit www.thisisplymouth.co.uk for lots more on The Herald’s Battle of the Bands 2008, and get down to the Hub on Thursday for five more cracking bands from across the South West

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