The Stimulagos upset the bookies at Fibbers last night by steam-rollering their way into the Battle Of The Bands final.

The 20-1 long shots swept aside both The Lieutenants and Cardboard Radio with a 2005 record vote of 93 that eclipsed the secret judges' 20 per cent backing of 3-1 second favourites Cardboard Radio.

Their heavy synth-rock created by five classically-trained musicians and the vocals of Jon Stokes was first on the bill to delight a rock-hungry pit of fans.

Gremlins worked their way into the amp, cue replacement guitar from Cardboard Radio, and they also set up shop in lead singer Stokes' throat, upsetting the balance of a voice reminiscent of David Bowie crossed with Axl Rose.

But they got on with the task in hand - albeit with more mis-timings than they would probably appreciate - with an impressive variety of their own songs mixed in with an odd Radiohead cover.

Judging books by covers is never a great thing, but music fans with Reel Big Fish t-shirts can only be a good indication of what you are about to see as was perfectly demonstrated by second-on-the-bill Cardboard Radio.

The self-styled three-piece beat combo lifted the mood with the funky rhythms of the drums and the guitars synchronised in a rollercoaster of pace within each song.

Matched with lyrics packed with humour and a touch of pathos delivered by the charismatic Johnny Monochrome with the help of bassist Benni Chord, it stood out as the rose between two punky thorns and it was easy to see how it ensnared the judges vote.

And then there was The Lieutenants, signature tune Teenage Kicks. They weren't kidding.

Fronted by 15-year-old Matthew Baker and backed up by three talented 16-year-olds they pulled in a crowd that had something of a school disco feel to it.

While there was some serious moshing on the dance floor, there was some serious snogging going on elsewhere.

The following was massive, the set impressive, including some outstanding lead guitar work by Jonathan Gilmour and self-penned songs such as 50 Seconds. But it clearly wasn't enough to topple The Stimulagos.

Cardboard Radio, who have at least got the launch of their new EP at The Junction to look forward to tomorrow, still have a chance of making the final as one of two best runners-up after polling 32 per cent of the 188 total.

Lead singer Hannah Slater looked like a young Debbie Harry, with her perfectly curled platinum blonde locks and diminutive stature - but, boy, could she sing.

She pounded out six fabulous songs with electrifying attitude - and also proved she could give us a quieter ballad-style at the beginning of Butterflies And Bubbles. Magnificent.