Buick McKane, Get Set, Retro the Kidd, Count the Days.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 19th March 2010.

The old motto of "The show must go on" was never more firmly demonstrated than at Esquires this evening. After an extremely late cancellation by Jub (a genuine case as one of their trio was admitted to hospital today - get well wishes to him), it would have been easy for promoter Pete to have literally pulled the plug. Although the turnout was disappointingly poor, we can at least reflect that Bedford had its regular live music night to offer us an escape route from the more mundane 'delights' of TV land. Sport Relief anybody?!!! Hmmmmm!

Biggleswade's quirky punksters COUNT THE DAYS are a trio whose teenage hormones are in a virtual frenzy tonight. They are 'girl crazy' in all that they say and do. However, they do skirt the fine line in overdoing the mindless chat or just, I think, being at ease and confident on stage. 'The jury' is perhaps out on that debate at present. Despite this slight quibble they do proffer a neat set of fast paced songs. "Worlds Collide" is full of what the boys describe as "scary shit". "Amber Red" is a eulogy of flame haired girls, while "No Good For You" concludes the bands best efforts.

RETRO THE KIDD buck the usual trend of musical orientation shown on level 2. Formed in mid 2006 at Staffordshire University, their early sound efforts have been honed by such influences as Atari Teenage Riot, Alec Empire, The Prodigy and Rammestein. This duo feature long time Esquires 'face' Mash (L.M.S. acoustic, sound engineer), whose principal role involves programming and vocals. He's joined by Dave Ball (former Paroxysm member) on guitar. They are, in their own words, here to "deconstruct and rebel against musical conventions and bland 'cookie cut' bands to deliver a sonic onslaught of breakbeats, bass riffs and some Nintendo for a different experience". With the musical ingredients combined, Retro The Kidd's 'musical stew' is further enhanced by some quite controversial lyrics. "The f**k song" is chockful of said expletive! It doesn't end with that naughty offering as RTK finish their set with "Don't f**ck with me". "Lucky strike" is, as Mash explains, "a new song so still a bit sketchy!". Retro The Kidd perhaps surprise or, should I say, even alienate a few of the more 'conservative' musical souls here tonight, but for a dash of brave originality, they will do for me. Welcome back Mash. We need you!

Filling in at practically the last minute are GET SET. Yes, more keen-eyed music fans, there are more L.M.S. connections. Although the dancefloor is sparse, this band's continual bouncy enthusiasm is to be admired. It certainly does not dampen their big-hearted spirits, of which there are plenty. With a previous Esquires visit still fresh in the memory, "Jackpot" is once again the catchy one that I can instantly latch upon.

Reluctantly thrust into the headline slot are BUICK MCKANE. Thankfully all attendees are staying to the end. The band can add some light hearted banter, jokes even, to accompany their somewhat bludgeoning sounds. Indeed this powerful mix of guitar and drums gets ever so slightly 'face melting' in its sheer intensity. The duo, Sean (guitar) and Mark (drums) are the proverbial chalk and cheese combination. The former has a dry, lackadaisical sense of humour as he sardonically muses between songs about life in general. He randomly mention the TV show "Lost", which I was when he talked about it! It works because the ears need to recover! Mark says little, letting his drumsticks do the talking. It has, as they say, been a "long night" for the pair. A new song "Waterworks" is enthusiastically showcased. A swift return is eagerly anticipated.