Idle Jack And The Big Sleep defended their well-earned place as the bookies' favourites to win, as they strummed their way into the finals of Battle of the Bands.

Last night's second semi-final saw the band triumphant in a joint agreement from both the public and the secret judges' panel, which will send them on to the final contest next Tuesday.

The popular band certainly didn't disappoint, and living up to their reputation brought most of the room before the stage, easily drawing the biggest crowd throughout the night.

The group once again demonstrated their unique sound, with the use of an electric accordion and banjo that helped to create some pleasantly unusual melodies, their opening song reminiscent of a rock cover of a carnival soundtrack.

Through the rest of their set they showed their versatility, flicking mid-song from bohemian instrumental to hard rock, and it wasn't too long before they proved they weren't beyond teasing out a melody or two.

With a great vocalist and a definite rapport with the audience it was understandable to experience a notable air of disappointment when their time was up.

With a hard act to follow and an overly lengthy start, Red Room Theory managed to burst into life with a steady heavy rock groove littered with memorable guitar riffs that eventually gave way to a somewhat more melodious style anchored in their heavy underscore.

The last song of their set was their greatest highlight, a dual vocal piece with contrasting styles, between the more melodic singer and the terseness of the guitarist that the group managed, along with all their other songs, minus one of their guitarists.

The first act of the night was Kiwis Ned, who opened the night's proceedings with a thumping bass line and a punk rock style.

The band was set apart by its notable extended guitar solos that built up layer upon layer of noise before finally trickling out mixed with the frantic vocals that found the group settling into a heavier alternative rock vein.

One of the greatest highlights of the night was the chance to see Ironic, who appeared last on stage and with the powerful and captivating lead vocals, the only female lead of the night, deserved to walk away with their second place finish.

These youthful musicians appeared full of passion and put on a lively performance of punk pop-rock that refused to be contained, with most songs performed in a harmonious male/female joint vocalisation.