Gone, but band loved it all

The boys in Whangarei band Co-Lab, Austyn Mills (left), Josh Crawford and Toban Taylor, impressed the X Factor judges at the auditions in Auckland.

While Whangarei band Co-Lab narrowly missed out on a spot in the next round of X Factor, the group said the experience was well worth it.

Whangarei Boys' High School students Austyn Mills, 17, Josh Crawford, 17, and Toban Taylor, 18, made it through the boot camp round of the competition after impressing the judges with their performance of Valarie, made famous by Amy Winehouse.

"We actually loved everything," Josh said. "The best part was the experience of playing in front of 5000 people."

While the group made it through to the final 48 acts, the show televised on Monday night showed their narrow exit.

Co-Lab were given a seat in the final six acts for the group category but, at the last moment, had their seat given to another group.

"We got a seat and then got pulled off," Josh said. "I was pretty gutted."

One of the comments by judge Natalia Kills was that the group did not gel together. However, the band has no plans to break up.

"It was pretty harsh," Josh said. "I think we're better as a team."

After they were kicked off Stan Walker, one of the judges and the boys' idol, went backstage and encouraged them to try again next year.

The band won this year's regional Rockquest finals and have been performing together for about three years.

Co-Lab will perform at the Fritter Festival at Toll Stadium in Whangarei on March 28.