91 Pieces, String Theory, Spiked, Coarse.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 29th August 2008.

A local band that has solidly performed all through this decade, but has been sadly neglected by the Esquires promoters, finally found a slot this evening. Biggleswade 'soft grungers' COARSE are that band and it's as if they have never been away. The quartet featuring Philly (guitar/vocals), Derek (guitar), Dr G (bass) and Rob (drums) are the experienced veterans amongst the youngsters, both performing and attending. Many in the crowd must, I'm sure, be having their first viewing of this heavy collective.

"Unique" opens with its Pearl Jam influence, while the faster paced "Lean on This" has an early Nirvana feel to it. The boys admitted prior to their 'new choon' that they might make a mess of it, but if course they don't. Coarse play six songs, but their lengths vary from anywhere from five to ten minutes. The reflective 'pumpkinish' "Gotta give it up" melts our eardrums, while the heavy intro to "Metal Mickey" seals it for me. A good welcome back to Esquires.

Esquires' favourite Hitchin girls SPIKED are here to play and they also have an EP to promote. It's called "Poison Kiss" and is released on 13th September in Letchworth. They continue to put to shame Bedford's reticent female performers. The feisty Spiked girls dazzle and dominate the stage. It's a strong start with "Pretty Like You" and the performance level never drops. "So this is Paradise" is a new composition that sits well in the Spiked repertoire. The punkier elements are sometimes just a little too much for, what is at times, a very disrespectful audience. The brash confidence of Spiked is now so noticeable. The dancing choreography dazzles as brightly as their outfits. "Cigarettes and Rock'n'Roll" is vocally hypnotic, while "Blood on your Favourite Dress" is still my favourite. It's the last song on their EP and it also brings to an end the quartets' set tonight. A blend of punk's rough edges and a gritty grunge girl style. Spiked, we only get to see them occasionally in Bedford, but it's always a pleasure.

STRING THEORY are in town and bring with them a motley crew of fans who cajole and encourage their 'heroes' to produce some blissfully chilled out 'soft blues metal'. The rocky "Thrill is Gone" starts, while "Lack of Words" gets the kids dancing. A couple of covers are included. Firstly, an excellent version of Thin Lizzy's "Dancing in the Moonlight", but their attempt at Hendrix's "Purple Haze" really should have stayed in their bedrooms!! String Theory's golden moment is, without doubt, "Inner Soul". With addictive funky vibes it could even induce someone with two left feet on to the dance floor! It's a cracking song. Variety continues with the metal(ish) new song "Had Enough".

As with every 91 PIECES gig, the boys work hard with their stage presentation. The large personalised Union Jack banner creates a backdrop to all that they do. Balloons float around the stage, and the material is now strong, highlighting on everyday youth issues. Their mates from The Smoking Hearts and Wolf Law are also in attendance. Apart from a shocking "Tutti Frutti" cover and a seemingly unrehearsed acoustic shambles that is "Please be Mine", the set royally entertains. The set begins with the popular "Corobo", while the rather camp "Love Machine" is just a lunchpad to "ASBO"! 'The Pieces' anthem is immediately latched upon by their dedicated young followers. Displaying good stage presence, the whole set flows as "I love you in Latin" is briskly followed by "R n R". It's sharp and snappy, in fact pretty much like the whole evening in general.