Bleech, The Love Band, Folk'n'Ska Souls.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 14th August 2009.

After a very long gap, The Roar Club returned to Esquires and what a smashing headline band they delivered to us. Current darlings of the NME pages are BLEECH. A three piece comprising Jennifer O'Neill (guitar, vocals), Katherine O'Neill (bass, backing vocals) and Matt Bicks (drums). Defiantly, as they arrive on stage, they announce boldly "We're Bleech, from London. East London."! So with the hype immense, the loaded question is, are they up to the task? After forty or so minutes in their company, I can say yes. A resounding Oh Yes! Their felicitous combination of indie brit-pop cool meets Seattle grunge (something slightly akin to The Breeders meets Babes In Toyland with an essential English Elastica slant) is warmly embraced by a very disappointing turnout. A question to be begged is, oh Bedford public, where were you tonight?

The feisty threesome rip-roaringly launch straight in to "Taking Over". Playing with a raw lascivious attitide, there isn't a weak link to be found through a joyous set. "Weirdo" sets the type with it's sometime scuzzy guitar sounds, all delivered with a total fervid demeanour. The two sisters are so contrasting. Jennifer's face is constantly covered by her long flame coloured hair, while Katherine's style is short and blonde. Stripped to the waist, Matt drums fanatically. It's an electric combination. The enjoyment they garner from performing live is clear and evident to see. They ignite and excite at all times. Their new single "The Worthing Song" (out on Monday) fizzes on such a huge adrenaline shot.

It's good to see such a young passsionate band who still believe in the fortified spirit of rock'n'roll, yet so at ease with it. Bleech both sate and inspire. Such is the mutual affection flowing through the venue tonight that they return for a two song encore. At the end, as the applause died down, everyone's favourable comments were being digested and compared. The band, to their credit, did a great public relations job, signing their vinyl single and chatting with everyone. Bleech, great band and lovely people.

Bleech set list:
• Taking over, • Weirdo, • Animals, • Dancing, • The Worthing song, • Deadhead , • Mondays, • Is it true that boys don't cry?

Opening are THE FOLK AND SKA SOULS. For the many people in attendance not familiar with this band, it's rather like The Levellers meets The Specials. However, a friend remarks that they resemble The Wurzels in appearance!! "Change" contains a rather celtic intro before the ska fusion takes over. With varied use of harmonica, the stomping finish impresses everyone. Their first ever written song "Matter of Time" is always popular. The bouncy, dance-laden highlight reaches us with "Before we go to Hell". To be a member of this five piece band (especially if you happen to be a vocalist), your fitness level has to be high as they never stop dancing!

On my first viewing, I find THE LOVE BAND rather repetitive and tiresome. They self-introduce themselves as they immediately announce "Do you know who we are?". Their song is called "We are The Love Band" follows. It is reprised at the end displaying a style and sound akin to The White Stripes (however without female drummer). The male duo only rose occasionally as on "There is a God".