New Zealand Battle of the Bands organisers have hailed the quality of up-and-coming Dunedin bands.
Sixteen bands from Otago and Southland contested the Dunedin regional final at Sammy's on Saturday night.
The winning bands were The Fu King, from Dunedin, and Soul Manor, from Queenstown and Invercargill.
''We were very impressed. There was a a much higher quality in Dunedin that most other regions,'' organiser Andrew Featherston, of Auckland, said yesterday.
''Dunedin really is leading the pack. There were probably four or five bands that were deserving. The top two were awesome. They're ready to go.''
The winner of the national finals will perform at Rhythm and Vines next year and secure a recording deal.
The Fu King will play in the first national final in Auckland on June 28 and Soul Manor the following day.
