Last year, 6L6 proved to be solid, across-the-board favorites. They were first runners-up in the local cutting-edge category (rechristened in this year of no alternative as "alternative"), first runners-up in the local rock category, and won best local metal act outright. This year they flip-flop, coming up tops in local alternative rock, and first runners-up with the metal boys -- not to mention the surprise of frontman Ted Condo crashing the traditionally traditional male-vocalist party. And that's without the benefit of a new album: the drive behind their success is still their sophomore effort, Superstar (Summit). So what gives? Well, they weren't quite metal in the first place, although when they want to they can sound like a fast-food Metallica. You can see why they come up aces in every category -- Condo's delivery is born of hardcore, the licks hint at a speed metal/thrash heritage, but they've got the bare-bones, no-frills arrangements of economical hard rock. While admittedly singer Ted Condo is good at what he does (namely, scream), his victory as the town's top vocalist is, well, kinda funny -- but entirely deserved.

-- Carly Carioli