Breaks Co-op, The Newtones, Jack Names the Planets, Emm.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 Saturday 29th April 2006.

Tonight it is a real privilege to witness something just that little bit different, an evening which oozes total class when all the way from New Zealand we host BREAKS CO-OP. However, we have one major absentee from their line up, a certain Radio One DJ named Zane Lowe, co-founder of this band. Embarking on their first British tour, happily that are reinforced to a five piece line up and the lack of 'The Zipper' is not really noticed. In fact, the bass player would not have looked out of place in the pack for the All-Blacks Rugby team.

The acoustic 'A Place for You' opens up and a sitar features on 'DUET', in which the vocals are loving handled by Andy Lovegrove who drops into Steely Dan move for 'Laura'. This is followed by 'The Otherside' which is the next Breaks Co-op single and it is currently enjoying National Radio airplay. As the song fades away, the lad on the decks feeds us the beautiful sound of wages gently lapping in the background and this ushers in 'The Sound Inside', the title track from their current album. A little gentle rap features on 'Settle Down' and is followed by 'Wonder' which has the added bonus of a delicious riff. 'You're my Lady' is full-on easy listening and Andy pinches so much from Willie Nelson. The penultimate 'Last Night' is a sleazy 3am 'club in Soho' sort of sound which eventually builds into a rip-roaring noisy, climatic finale. The samba influenced 'Q of F' rounds off the Breaks Co-op set which there is just time to play an encore of 'Sound Advise' which they deliver in a hip-hop style. Overall, an original set of sounds that is fully appreciated by those present.

The support tonight opens with a young acoustic performer, engagingly called EMM. I think it was a debut performance here but he charms us all with his impressive set. With many varying styles it makes for a hushed and reflective time. He opens with 'Awake at Midnight' and the thoughtfully penned 'White Butterflies' hooks us like a carp on a line. These are the highlights from a set by a undoubtedly talented man.

JACK NAMES THE PLANETS is the working title for a couple of young lads from Arlesey and Wilstead respectively. The combine to play a short set of acoustic songs but it appears a strong dose of nerves impedes their performance.

THE NEWTONES are currently in demand as tonight's performance is followed by an appearance on Tuesday next. This is their debut on Level 2 and it is confident and self-assured. Short on chat and long on music, given the free range of the big stage The Newtones are akin to excited kids at Christmas allied to a great collection of songs which peak with 'Stand up Shout' and 'Tell Me, Tell Me, Tell Me'. The future looks rosy for 'our new favourite band' and I must make mention of drummer Jonny who rushed back speedily for this gig after an afternoon playing Lacrosse - How Rock'n'Roll is that!?!