Bullets To Broadway, The Fatal Mistake, Never So True, The Dilenquents, Hammerfluff.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 Friday 31st March 2006.

The excitement in the air tonight is almost tangible as an expectant crowd grows in anticipation of American headliners, Bullets To Broadway. But kicking the night off is Luton-based pop-punk quartet, HAMMERFLUFF, delivering a tight and convincing performance full of catchy pop-punk melodies from this young band that is more than good enough to entice four-fifths of Bullets To Broadway onto the dance floor. Their at first rather strange band name is in fact perfect way of summing up their sound, as alongside the pop-punk fluff of songs like 'Second Best' lies an edgier, snottier punk sound, seen in the trashy stylings of 'Running Away' and the pounding bass and driving rhythms of 'Do Us A Favour'. But what really makes this band special is the rock star quality of bass-playing front-woman, Kat Upton, who powers her way through the set with a mix of smiles and intense brow-furrowing, and a voice that sounds mature beyond her years.

Following on are crowd-pleasers and hometown boys, THE DILENQUENTS (sic). Their trashy, metal-influenced, simplistic punk rock, with dirty bouncing bass lines and anthemic choruses get the entire crowd moving; but let's face it, it really wouldn't matter what The Dilenquents sounded like, they have the crowd on their side and ooze a snotty elegance that simply can't be taught. These boys prove that they know how to put on a show, as bass player Jason (looking like a strange amalgam of Brian Molko and Casey Chaos) takes over on vocals whilst brandishing a black umbrella emblazoned with The Dilenquents' logo; he doesn't seem to care that putting up umbrellas in-doors is bad luck as he climbs the stack and shelters guitarist Taylor from non-existent rain. As the set progresses the songs get progressively rougher and more antagonistic, yet retain The Dilenquents' trademark humour as they march militantly through a rather more aggressive take on Van Morrison's 'Brown-Eyed Girl', subtly entitled, 'Shit Bitch Whore'.

When Northampton punk/hardcore act NEVER SO TRUE take to the stage they begin with the hardest-hitting opener so far; drums thrash, crash and pound, but despite the chugging guitar and bass line there are winding hooks and a catchy melody to be found beneath the surface. First song 'It's Over' is over quickly, as are the next few urgent and frantic, yet surprisingly listenable, numbers. However, a few technical and tuning difficulties seem to throw the band, and throughout their short set you get the impression that you're not seeing Never So True at their best tonight. But while the rest of their set might have been some-what lacking, they've obviously been saving the best until last as they explode into 'Zombie Movie', a high-energy monster-mash of Wednesday 13-esque lyrics and more crushing-but-catchy hooks.

THE FATAL MISTAKE start their set abruptly and without warning, but with the kind of polished sound and composure that makes it obvious that this is an extremely tight and confident band. There's a catchy familiarity to all of their energetic, radio-friendly pop-punk songs tonight, and as they work through their set the pace increases, with songs like 'Only Got Myself To Blame' beginning to sound more and more frantic. Sadly, the crowd (probably still reeling from The Dilenquents and dizzy with anticipation for Bullets To Broadway) don't entirely seem to be on their side, yet catchy, controlled and radio-friendly, The Fatal Mistake work hard to give a very smooth and polished performance.

In an interview earlier, BULLETS TO BROADWAY had been adamant that their performances are all about having fun, and admitted that their objective is often to 'tell as many dick and fart jokes in a half-hour show as possible' – something they more than live up to this evening. Even before they start playing, you just know that this band is going to be a blast. Bullets To Broadway have definitely learnt a few lessons from the Less Than Jake school of catchy pop-punk rock, but minus the brass section and with a slightly edgier sound. While Kevin and Heather deliver perfectly polished sugarcoated harmonies, the guitarists Geis and Gui rock-out against the backdrop of Matt's hard-hitting drums. As well as the fabulous 'Happily Ever After' from their debut E.P 'Drink Positive', tonight the band show off just how much they have developed during their last year of almost incessant touring with two brand new tracks, aptly entitled, 'New Song' and 'New Song 2'. With their songs about friendship, beer and (plainly-and-simply) having fun, Bullets To Broadway succeed in bringing a true party atmosphere to Esquires this evening and ensure that everyone leaves with a smile on their face.