Baddies, Knievel Genius, Kilto Take.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 27th August 2009.

From far away Belgium, Austria and Germany to the closer fields of Reading and Leeds via Esquires can mean only one thing, it's the tour schedule of BADDIES. The latest musical export to come out of sunny Southend-on-sea, this quartet comprise Simon Bellamy (guitar), Jim Webster (drums), Michael Webster (vocals) and Danny Rowton (bass). Much like recent Roar Club visitors Bleech, Baddies have been gathering plenty of coverage in the music press, especially the NME. Indeed, as I pen this review the day after their magnificent evening, I am greeted by their angsty faces posing for a picture in the current Fly magazine. Comparisons and influences are endless. People list Talking Heads, Futureheads, QOTSA, Hives, and even Devo, which I can fully understand. Taking in their set tonight, I will throw two other bands into the mix, The Knack ("My Sharona") and even ABC ("Poison arrow"). If you were present, did you hear echoes through a couple of their songs, or was it just the cider playing tricks on my brain? Combined to this sound, the quirky synchronised robotic dance moves they perform are visually so different from the norm. Perhaps when Peter Crouch retires from football he could hook up with these guys!

Tonight is a warm up prior to their festival appearances. Baddies debut album "Do the job" (recorded at the famous Rockfield studio in Wales) is due for release on 21st September and they play a large chunk of it tonight. Resplendent in matching smart tailored sky blue shirts, dark trousers and boots, this is a band who are totally together and united in the cause. Opening with "I am not a Machine", it's a title that watching Baddies frontman Michael in all his systematic glory, one sorely doubts. Last summer's debut single "Battleships" is latched upon by the crowd. They applaud warmly at it's close. Familiarity is so special. To follow is Baddies next single called "Open One Eye". They inform us that a terrific video has been filmed to accompany it. The harrowing true story of "Colin" is stunningly replicated on stage, to be followed by a Baddies 'newie' called "Stone". Perhaps the most memorable song, and one that sticks in my mind, is "We Beat Our Chests". Phew! Manically performed, its jaunty chorus, although simple and basic, is so effective for it's hooked audience. Although recent single "Holler for my Holiday" runs it pretty damned close. With the forthcoming months booked solid for Baddies, will the breakthrough into the big time be just around the corner. Here's wishing them luck.

Baddies set list:
• I am not a machine , • At the party, • Battleships, • Open one eye, • Colin, • Stone, • Tiffany... I am sorry, • To the lions, • We beat our chests, • Holler for my holiday, • Paint the city.

Opening for the evening are KNIEVEL GENIUS. It's been nearly three years since I last saw them play here. Their all-out fusion of grunge combined with primal rock roots is delivered brilliantly. It's been well worth the wait to watch such a stunning live show. Coincidentally, this landmark home town comeback gig is further highlighted by the release, this week, of debut download single "Daylight". It just capped a magnificent return. The sight of sweat drenched drummer John leaving the stage showed just how much commitment the boys put into the set. Welcome back.

Regular Esquires visitors KILTO TAKE one again deliver. Consummate class and so professional in all that they do. The only real shock is why, on a hot late summer's evening, are half of the quartet wearing thick woolly scarves! Seriously though, their tunes "Different Side" and "Fall" are beautifully performed. The band are on top form and Mark has the right vibes as he tells us that "it feels like a Saturday night, let's party!". Unfortunately it's only Thursday, but the audience sing back "Her" so enthusiastically, it so could be the weekend! New song "To Alike" already has instant appeal. A lovely thirty minutes.