As you build up successful notes, one of three battle power counters will fill. This is where the “battle” component comes into play. The more notes you complete, the more powers you have at your disposal, and thus the greater your attack on the opposing band. These powers can result in some debilitating effects upon your opponent, such as action icons that shrink, and making it harder for them to time their actions with the target line. Successful beats and attacks increase the score, which is the true indicator of who’s winning the song. Earn more points than your opponent, and you’re on to the next stop on your tour.

The Battle of the Bands campaign mode consists of stops on a tour schedule. You’re presented with a map of the region and some details on each venue and the house band that plays there. You’ll also be tipped off to the song title that will serve as the basis for your battle. Once you’ve selected your next venue, the story advances through some quick static cut-scenes and then the song begins.

The song choice is what differentiates Battle of the Bands from other music games. It ships with over 30 songs culled from a variety of genres including country, rock, hip hop and pap. Most players can expect to find a favorite in a deep play list that includes titles as diverse as Cyprus Hill’s “Insane in the Brain,” Soundgarden’s “Spoonman” and The Soggy Bottom Boy’s “Man of Constant Sorrow.” The catch is, as you’ll often be going up against resident house bands with their own predetermined musical taste, the game will alternate between the normal version of the song (i.e. the recording of Spoonman sounds appropriately grungy) with the house band’s own take on the song. So if you’re going up against a posse of Country & Western warblers, you’ll hear a countrified version of the Soundgarden grunge anthem. While the game will alternate versions through the course of the song, resulting in some interesting mash-ups, the band that is on a roll with the most beats hit will have their rendition of the tune playing the majority of the time.

Planet Moon wisely offers the ability to listen to any of these songs and their alternate renditions through a Music Player feature from the main menu. So, if you like your Blitzkrieg Bop with a twang, you’ll be able to Dosey Doe to the “Hey Ho, Let’s Go” anytime you like. All of the songs can be played in their rock, country, hip hop, rap and school band versions, which makes for an entertaining listen, but will groupies flock to this Band?