Citizen Keyne, Zero Zeros, UK Vacant, Dun 2 Def.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 16th August 2008.

Upbeat Promotions continue to deliver the best in punk sounds. Tonight is an old-skool gathering.

Late replacements DUN 2 DEF fill in for Hot Wired. Now down to just Ferret on vocals, the band still specialize in the raw guttural mechanics of punk. The addictive "Don't give up the Rifles", with it's compelling shouty out chorus stirs the audience, which contains punks both young and old. The raucous "Drinking and Fighting" gives way to Dun 2 Def's song dedicated to shopping. Naturally it's of the alcoholic variety, and to the mighty subsidiary that is "Bargain Booze". Their chaotic ending to the song could well have been too much of Tavistock Street's finest! With a lively cover of "Too Much too Young", the Bedford crowd once again have been well and truly Dun 2 Def!

For London's UK VACANT, this is their debut gig. Their collection of songs include "Martyr" which is about terrorists, an intriguing "Vatican City", and the harsh "Fuck the Pigs". This, inevitably, has a dig at our glorious 'boys in blue'! With time for a tribute to the skinheads, it's the final composition "Face Down in the Gutter" that reflects our thirsty and copious drinking crowd tonight.

A few months ago, I witnessed an amazing young punk band playing downstairs in Danny's Bar. Tonight, rightfully, the Upbeat promoters gave these young 'oi'ers their level 2 debut. THE ZERO-ZEROES are from Leighton Buzzard. They also seem to be nurturing a good reputation as, much to the crowd's delight and surprise, Mickey from legendary oi band Cocksparrer is in attendance. "Centre of the Universe" is all about their home town, while "ASBO" voices the lads' concern about anti-social behaviour. "Patriotism" is construed as a feelgood, proud to be a 'nationalist' song, while "Rules and Regulations" is a singalong drinking celebration.

MK's CITIZEN KEYNE headline. The shouts of "Lies and Hypocrisy!" are said with feeling on "Lies". The band, as well as being entertaining, are also reflecting on the world's problems such as starvation, poverty, general anti-social behaviour, wars etc etc. These are due entirely to those arrogant little bleeders which are called "Chavs". There seems to be all round agreement. The bands' outro of the vocalist singing "Bling, bling! Bling, bling!" rings accurately, loud and clear! With their take on modern society, nothing is sacred or safe as "Bootsale tales" is the punk yarn about those popular Sunday morning 'bargain' hunters. Citizen Keyne's new offering is "Saturdays Heroes" which immediately strikes a chord with everyone. All in all a top set.

Special mention tonight must go to all those members of the audience resplendently sporting some wonderful mohican hairstyles. Plus a top DJ set from Adam 'Bleeder' which kept the crowd cooking nicely!