Bowfinger, Portion, Jub, The Dead Sea Sound, Dan Raza.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2. Sunday 6th May. 2007.

The Sunday evening before the lazy Bank Holiday Monday is at Esquires becoming a regular gig night and as it the tradition the gentle and relaxing strains of an acoustic artist gets things underway. This time the honour falls to the tall and faded denim clad DAN RAZA. He starts rather jauntily with 'Outta Merica' before the soft and sweet refrain of 'Tylers Song' holds my complete attention. Also of note is 'A Little Pity' in which Dan uses his Harmonica to beautiful effect.

Although they call themselves the rather surreal 'THE DEAD SEA SOUNDS', their sound is certainly alive. They have a frontman who wears his best Sunday jumper and tie as well as a drummer who decides at apparently random intervals to drum from a standing position. A good contrast of songs from a band I know nothing about and their cover of 'Overload' by the Sugarbabes was a joy from start to finish.

Replacing the pre-advertised The Runners were JUB, a band I believe are from the Roman town of Bath. However, the city is certainly more beautiful than their music which I found hugely repetitive. I wasn't sure whether if they were a indie-rock band with with a leaning for funky vibes or a bunch of frustrated Emo-wannabees! Either way it was a painful experience. However, the band give me a free EP so when I listen to it I might be converted.

Next up are PORTION, whose appearances are usually an eclectic mix of manic madcap mayhem courtesy of vocalist Blaine. However tonight the 'old boy' is on his best behaviour and the visual part of Portion's stage show is kept to a bare minimum. However, the band are so loved and very popular here and the crowd just soak up the set and enjoy the songs and a band that always refresh the parts that most other local outfits can only dream about reaching.

Mind you, Luton's BOWFINGER- those charismatic ska-mod popsters - are just as engaging with their own brand of songs that are almost as sharp and snappy as their attire. They specialise in perfecting the art of lyric writing coupled to a great tune. The hardy perennial 'Everything is Easy' possesses a melody that can't possibly fail to melt the soul of any cynic in the audience.