The Beaslie Gang, The Ramblers, Spiked, Amy Lee.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 4th August 2007.

With Bedfordshire hosting so many 20th century music stars this weekend, here at Esquires it was all about the 21st century, and a case of "the kids are alright" as the vibrancy of youth took centre stage.

Unfortunately The Art Of Opposition had to withdraw due to a family bereavement, and so at very short notice AMY LEE very kindly stepped in to reprise her set of last night in the bar.

Girl-power continued with the re-appearance of Hitchin's SPIKED who are Sian Wilson (vocals), Jenny Lucas (guitar, BV), Cassie Perkins (bass), and Lauren Wilson (drums, BV). They mix pop-punk with an earthy grunge sound. It's fast, fresh and feisty. Colourfully attired, they open with 'Pretty Like You' during which a little light reggae snippet filtered through. The buzzsaw guitar start to 'Falling Away' detonates a tale about control freaks, while the teenage angst is evident on their newest song 'Blood on Your Favourite Dress', which is about feeling isolated. With an album 'Hit the Floor' already to their credit, its been a bright start to their young careers.

The Guiness nearly ran dry here at Esquires tonight as THE RAMBLERS return with their 'Pogue-ish' revelry! With a rich style of sleazy laconic humour, frontman Jack lead his fellow scallies into a rip-roaring shindig. 'Silly Little Girl' is sung and performed by our erstwhile vocalist in a hybrid MacGowan/Gallagher style! They then stick strictly to their roots with a cover of 'The Boys From the County Hell', while 'Boys of New York City' gets a collective "Oi! Oi! Oi! Oi!" from their fans. 'Sleep Sweetly' sees this angular vocalist drop to his knees for the intro for the inevitable 'Down the Pub'. This is a typically raucous finale for these Ampthill youngsters who admit they are "spent" by the end of it!

ROAR Club favourites THE BEASLIE GANG deservedly gained a first Esquires headline slot. This indie four-piece seemed to have developed a more heavier sound than when I last saw them and they are suited to it. With lead vocals being shared, it offers a contrast to their songs which some bands at this level should also think very seriously about. The Beaslie Gang continue to write some very strong songs which include their most recent effort 'Nightscene' which is about things that totally "freak you out". Up until the 'Gang stepped on stage the evening had been quite light and frothy, but the nine songs reach a zenith with the closing 'So You Know', which lyrically encapsulates the desperate feeling of of being impatient and compulsive, which is dramatically portrayed on stage.