After a couple negative experiences, I’ve all but sworn off battle of the bands, but the EMP’s annual Sound Off! is the exception. Dedicated to discovering the best of the precocious Pacific Northwest, Sound Off! is limited to “underage” bands (21 and under only) and has helped highlight great local bands like The Globes, The Lonely Forest and Dyme Def before they were the talk of the town.

For their 11th year, Sound Off! had more entries than ever before and have announced their 12 semi-finalists today. After our first listen we’re particularly fond of the sloppy soulful garage rock of Dungeon Science, Feet’s twisting, toe-tapping catchy cleverness and Special Explosion who we’re eager to hear more than one track from. Truth is, while its not all great, a lot of it is damn good.

Take a listen to all of ‘em, you just might discover your favorite new band.

SEMIFINAL ROUND ONE - Saturday, February 11 at EMP’s Level 3

The Autonomics: Portland, OR – indie rock
The Deep Wake: Bainbridge Island, WA – folk
Dungeon Science: Tacoma, WA – garage/surf rock
The Unibroz: Seattle, WA – electronic/hip hop

SEMIFINAL ROUND TWO - Saturday, February 18 at EMP’s Level 3

Brothers From Another: Seattle, WA – hip hop
Honora: Seattle, WA – folk
Nude: Spokane, WA – dream pop
Ulrich: Spokane, WA – shoegaze

SEMIFINAL ROUND THREE - Saturday, February 25 at EMP’s Level 3

Cassiopeia: Bellingham, WA – folk pop
Feet: Seattle, WA – indie rock
Special Explosion: Bellevue, WA – indie rock
Your Rival: Portland, OR – power pop