Backup Radio, Jynxed, Racune, The Measure.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 22nd March 2008.

In the words of that great American comedian Robin Williams, "Spring is nature's way of saying 'let's party'"! However, when a snow blizzard has swept in, it does appear that someone 'upstairs' has decided that Easter was perhaps a bit too early this year.

As they inform us at the beginning of the show, THE MEASURE are here to play some "funky tunes". Featuring vocalist Ollie (formerly of local ska band L.M.S.), they incorporate a touch of Stevie Wonder (very superstitious) on "Good For Me", while the ultra-funky "Let Me In" indulges us with a smattering of keyboard tinkering. "Waiting" has a catchy singalong chorus of "I'm Waitin'" which gets a few of the crowd joining in. My favourite song of the set has to be "Can't Get High", it's addictive floating 'baggy funk' completes a polished performance.

Northampton's four-piece RACUNE are making their first appearance here. They are fronted by a dynamic young lady called Tammy who spits out Racune's earthy lyrics with awesome power. A good blend of variable styles opens to a rocking start with "Running", and the following "Changes" which lyrically tells of being messed about by liars. The pace and the mood alters direction with the sub-funky "Can't Bring Me Down" and the 'bedroom gymnastics' tale of "Up All Night"! Racune take a breather on "For the last Time", it's very early Patti Smith with a climactic finale. Towards the end of their set Racune decide to find out 'where our heads at?', as "Liberty's Tree" is all about a certain fungi that sends you a touch loopy! While the psychedelic "Take it Away" follows a similar path. The grungy "Sky Turned Black" ends a most enjoyable set.

JYNXED return to Esquires and, rather cheekily I feel, Blaine announces their first song as "Blind Faith"! A little dig at certain people I ponder? But this band are a portion away from his last project. Tonight however, he seems to be more like his old mischievous self (was a full moon in bloom?!) as he and his lovely Jynxed partner Tally pose us the question "Quantum Jump or Quantum Leap?". Either way it's Blaine who inevitably ends up singing and flexing his frame in the mosh pit! With the liberal use of the megaphone, the band bring to mind The Fall circa mid-eighties, especially with the sweeping synth sounds on "Imagination". "Drunk" is a wide eyed and legless shout out to a mate, while the best song of the set is "Did You Forget" which is all about the state of the country.

After visiting us last August, Bedfordian Brummies BACK UP RADIO return. They also contain a very charismatic front man, he's called Matty and leads this quartet through some rap-rock. Stylishly attired in his adidas top, he enquires of us in his black country burr "Are you havin' a bubble?". Subtitled, it appears that he is asking us if we have enjoyed our evening so far! Funky metal to the fore, the quartet are then joined onstage by 2 Planets who greet everyone witha cheery shout of "Yo!". A brief jam 'love-in' occurs before the bands' collective forces engulf us with "Ruff". After that collaboration Back Up Radio perform "Crash", which is the closest they get to a love song - it's a slower prelude to the fast sprint finish of "Runnin". With a great reception from what is a small turnout, the lads encore us for a final tune, which like the rest of their set is so full of energy and vitality.