The Black Velvets / Portion / Vision State.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2 5th February 2005.
Newport Pagnell's only claim to rock and roll fame is that it is mentioned in the lyrics of The Smith's 'Is it really so strange?'. Vision State are hoping to change that and their short set was well received by the Esquires crowd. With a powerful but slightly derivative sound akin to The Music, it's a fair bet that all four members have well worn copies of 'Urban Hymns' and 'Definitely Maybe'. Their chances of gaining wider attention will surely depend on whether they can develop their own identity.
Portion are perennial favourites of Esquires and their frontman Blaine is always compelling to watch. Part Morrissey, part Lydon, he prowls the stage like a man possessed and at their most melodic Portion are excellent - like Idlewild relocated to Huntingdon. Unfortunately, they have a tendency to drift into dodgy metal territory, a facet not helped by their guitarist's facial hair and his seeming belief that he is auditioning to be a member of Pearl Jam. Set closer 'Speedball' (which was reminiscent of long forgotten crusties Senser) had the crowd dancing, and ended with Blaine lying on his back in apparent convulsions.
br> With bands like Jet and The Datsuns gaining media plaudits, it seems straight forward 'rock and roll' is no longer thought of as an anachronism, and headliners The Black Velvets certainly look and sound as if the past 30 years never happened. Unabashedly retro, both previous single 'Get On Your Life' and forthcoming release '3345' are vintage seventies stompers and hearing them live you almost feel compelled to do that funny Status Quo dance.
As if to ram the point home, they have even got a song named 'Glam Star'. The best song of the night, 'Once in a While', featured the riff from 'Personal Jesus' (although the 'velvets will no doubt claim Depeche Mode nicked it from Bo Diddly in the first place).
Although it was all good old fashioned fun, I couldn't help wondering that if you closed your eyes you could be listening to Thunder or The Little Angels or (heaven forbid) Def Leppard, and surely that is not a good thing. Perhaps someone should make them watch 'This is Spinal Tap' before it is too late.
Review by Rick Skilbeck. www.bedfordesquires.co.uk