Arrows, Capital, Kilto Take, Sister Ray.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 13th August 2008.

Tonight is very much a gig of two halves. The first part is top drawer, as Kilto Take and Sister Ray in their contrasting styles both entertain and enthral in equal measure. It's harmonious and edgy.

KILTO TAKE'S opening salvo is to engage everyone with a prickly, but very relevant question, as they ask "Has anyone had a bad day at work?". The reaction from this small sized crowd seems to be fairly mixed, but all those thoughts are put to one side as "Tainted States" opens the quartet's account. This is a band who grasp even the most jaded of hearts, as "Captured on Polaroid" continues their knack and penchant for writing melancholic pop songs. They are so equally inoffensive, yet so totally mesmerising. "Wake in the Lie" contains such emotional depth, and there is humour to be gleaned. The band's now well-worked between song patter sees vocalist Mark described by a fellow band mate as "looking like a ballerina"! The song "Different Side" is a bit self-explanatory, and the lads wrap things up with "Summit". Kilto Take continue to transport this reviewer somewhere that's well worth the trip.

Good vibes continue when SISTER RAY appear on stage. Vocalist Genna has us hooked immediately. Raw and wrought up, she sings "Standing in a town that's made of plastic/People made of plasticine, fantastic!". You certainly don't have to be "Tripping out on LSD" to find "Fantastic Plastic" utterly weird and wonderful. With her three 'hunky fellas' Nick, Guiseppe and Dan beefing it all up on guitar, bass and drums! "Videos" carries the same haunting, and almost macabre vocals. The combination of the quartet could almost be described as a beautiful marriage made in hell! "Mirrors and Tails" discusses who posses the prize tail, while "Splinter in my Eye" contains such relevant lyrics for everyone here tonight. Genna speaks for us all, singing "I don't wanna go to work/I don't wanna go/I don't wanna go to work/You can't make me, I'm lazy". Incorporated is her wondrous way of singing "No, no, no, no, no"! Sister Ray, sophisticated and oh so uber post new-wave cool. Immense attitude in both their stances and performance. A local band so uniquely different.

The following two bands lost most of the people here and utterly failed to inspire me. CAPITAL hail from Eastbourne. An indie-pop band whose new single "Bright Lights" was released last Monday. It's dull and not very exciting, much like headliners Arrows. A six piece whose use of electronica just can't save a nondescript set. Only the diehards, and possibly family are still in attendance. I'm nearly nodding off, but thankfully the end soon arrives. A shame that the evening ended in such anti-climax after such a great start.