Bowfinger, Rate of the Day, The Dogs, Jumpsuit Collective.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 28th October 2006.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook.

With the clocks going back tonight it has to be accepted that Winter is almost upon us, but looking forward to the schedule on Level 2 in forthcoming weeks, there is some quality music on offer for everyone. It is certainly the case tonight - varied and interesting.

Kicking things off tonight are the quirky Leighton Buzzard band JUMPSUIT COLLECTIVE who sometimes remind me of a sort of acoustic Half Man-Half Biscuit type of outfit. They are full of clever lyrics, but I feel at Esquires they are sometimes misunderstood and not fully appreciated. That’s very much the case tonight as most people are in the bar downstairs and miss the set.

More people filter in for the second band THE DOGS. This is a German three-piece not to be confused with the South London punk band of the same name. They are currently supporting Bowfinger in this country as a reciprocation for the Luton bands visit to Germany a little while ago. I have to say I was very impressed with them and their set found favour with everyone in the venue. Showing far more charisma than a lot of English bands, they vividly remind me that language is no barrier, but to be fair their English is very good. They play a fine collection of rock’n’roll tunes as well as a couple of covers including as a final song an excellent version of the classic MC5 hit 'Kick out the jams'.

After a promising debut at Esquires in May, RATE OF THE DAY’s last performance here was marginally disappointing. However I’m glad to report that tonight the boys were back to their best. The songs were delivered by a band in total unison and considering they followed a strong performance by The Dogs, Rate of the Day kept the large crowd buzzing. The frontman Simon’s opening declaration of “We are Rate of the Day” sets the tone and they go on and prove it!

The venue seems to be just about full when BOWFINGER make their hotly anticipated appearance on stage. This is a very popular local band who cater for all music fans who just like to nod their heads and tap their feet, and tonight those people are not to be disappointed. Bowfinger once again offer some spirited lyrical tunes. A cross section of ages and sexes are always drawn to see them when they come to town and once again they are also ‘The best attired band in Bedfordshire’!





Bowfinger’s most recently composed songs are also slotting into place alongside the old familiar favourites that always continue to enchant. The set flies by and, as ever, Bowfinger succumb to their fans’ request for an encore and they are happy to oblige.