On April 24, Flux — a student-run club that organizes concerts on campus and provides students with hands-on experience in live music production — hosted its fourth annual Battlefest. Battlefest is a concert where four student bands compete for the chance to open at Lawn Jawn, Flux’s annual spring festival presented in collaboration with Drexel’s Music Industry Program. The festival typically features a local artist as the headliner, helping to expand the audience for the winning student band, with past headliners including Del Water Gap and Snacktime. In addition to live music, Lawn Jawn features an art market showcasing student and local vendors, as well as a variety of food trucks, drawing large crowds and increasing visibility for all performers. At Battlefest, each band has the opportunity to play a set of about four songs, one being a cover of a song that each band must perform. This year, the song chosen for every band to play was “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. After all four bands have performed, the audience is encouraged to vote on their favorite performance of the night, ultimately deciding which band will have the chance to open at Lawn Jawn.
First up was Pieces of Pluto, an all-women band that opened the night with an ethereal yet grungy original called “Violet.” Their sound leaned heavily into rock, with layered guitar and bass lines. While the powerful instrumentation occasionally overpowered the vocals, especially during their “Heads Will Roll” cover, the band adjusted their monitor mix early in the set to better balance the sound. Their final song, “Decay,” debuted at last year’s Battlefest and highlighted the group’s growth and cohesion. Despite minor sound issues, their faithful take on the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ track stayed true to the original’s post-punk energy.
Next came Miaow, a band whose crowd engagement set them apart. Their heavy instrumentals and enthusiastic performances ignited a mosh pit during their second song. With guitar solos, headbanging and the frontman heavily engaging with the audience to encourage dancing, their set blurred the lines between songs, flowing continuously from one track to the next. Their version of “Heads Will Roll” ramped up the volume, transforming the indie dance-punk anthem into a more aggressive sonic experience. It was the most intense cover of the night, mirroring the band’s relentless energy.
Cowboy Sextape shifted the vibe, offering a more melodic and instrumentally diverse set. Featuring violin, keys, trombone and crystal-clear vocals, their sound leaned more toward orchestral rock. The lighting design during their set was particularly impressive and enhanced the experience, mirroring the shifts in instrumentation and mood. Their take on “Heads Will Roll” was the most original of the night. Though technical difficulties briefly interrupted their set, the band navigated the challenges with composure and creativity.
Sodaseas closed out the night with a set that reflected their eclectic sound and emotionally raw performance style. The band blends Latin folk influences with post-rock and screamo. Their performance sounded somewhat genre-defying with a mix of loud instrumentation and occasionally softer moments that focused on the melody. Their set included viola, keys, electric guitar and drums. Sodaseas delivered a sonically textured performance that stood apart. Their original songs showcased intricate arrangements, while their cover of “Heads Will Roll” sounded relatively faithful, although Sodasea’s impact was distinct.
Ultimately, Cowboy Sextape’s blend of experimentation and polish earned them the audience vote and the title of Battlefest 2025 winner. Battlefest Year Four once again demonstrated the depth of talent within Drexel’s student music scene, giving each band a platform to showcase their distinct identity. With Cowboy Sextape set to perform at Lawn Jawn, the anticipation is high for what is next from all four acts.