I Was A Cub Scout, Rolo Tomassi, The Lovvers.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 22nd February 2008.

It’s just over a year ago since tonight’s headliners, I WAS A CUB SCOUT played at Esquires. On that occasion, everything was very low key, the band having only just formed a few months earlier. How things have moved on in those 12 months, as tonight there is a definite buzz of expectancy and a good sized crowd to witness at first hand the duo’s charged-up emo sound. Despite hating the band’s rather twee name (hence I didn’t buy a t-shirt), I was a Cub Scout put on an interesting and varied show. Their debut album, 'I Want You to Know There is Always Hope' was released last week and they are keen to bring it to life in Bedford.

For just a duo, they show incredible subtlety, power and enthusiasm. Todd Marriott (vocals, synths, guitar) and William Bowerman combine in an almost telepathic way. They mix lushing and looping synth rhythms to a barrage of thrashing drums. The boys’ level of performance never wanes, especially considering their tender age. Although their set is dogged by a smattering of technical problems, there is a superbly executed performance of the ironically titled, 'I Hate Nightclubs'. I was a Cub Scout are for me, an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. Progress will be monitored with interest and anticipation.

Opening the bill are art rockers extraordinaire, THE LOVVERS – a trio whose roots certainly lie in the sub-pop era of the mid to late eighties, a sound that lead eventually to grunge. Lovvers doff their hats to luminaries such as Soundgarden, Screaming Trees and Mudhoney. This Nottingham trio explode a fast and sonically charged battery of constant ear-splitting sounds. One wonders what is coming next. Before they complete their set and are gone, peace and normality returns. In a fair and just musical world, Lovvers should and will be huge.

Probably the less said about ROLO TOMASSI, the better. Every conceivable negative adjective springs to mind for this five-piece electro, screamo racket. Fronted by a diminutive young lady who probably, when she was a child, read too many Just William stories; and to quote Violet Elizabeth’s often used phrase, “I’ll scream and scream and scream until I make myself sick.” The redeeming synth part of the package at least offers some variation, but not a lot.