Cutting Pink with Knives, Microphyst, Ice Sea Dead People, Milk It.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 29th March 2008.

One of the most refreshing aspects of life on Level 2 is the abundance of different promoters now plying their trade. A wide variation of musical tastes are filled by these hard working individuals, and tonight is the perfect case in point as another new promoter hits the trail. 'Richie Rich' introduces four bands, almost as varied as his amazing double Mohican hairstyle!

First up are Bletchley's MILK IT, who on the eve of tonights gig have a major internal crisis as three band members quit! Undeterred, the Milk It's remaining duo are helped out by Ice Sea Dead People's drummer. Despite all their problems Milk It are superb, as they keep alive the sound of feedback. Their sound is music to this reviewers ears, as it permutates around the room. Eardrums are mashed, it is truly no pain no gain as this riveting three piece are replaced by a Bedford band whose reputation grows by each gig.

Art punks ICE SEA DEAD PEOPLE are also only a trio, but they make the sound of so many more. Angular riffs cascade in a teutonic barrage of blissful noise. Brain cells beaten senseless in the name of great music. The pulsating waves of guitars and drums punish us incessantly! But we want more and I.S.D.P. give it to us on an overload circuit! A more refined band than our opening visitors, it's a shame that there are not more people here to witness such a charged up set. At least the educated musos present appreciated this substantial sonic wall of sound.

MICROPHYST are from just down the road in Kempston, but seldom play in Bedford which is just as well! They purvey what is known to the clubby folks as 'breakcore'. Electronic wizardry is one thing, but this has to be one of the most tedious 30 minutes I have spent here on level 2. Several clubby type people did buck the trend and seemed to enjoy it. I just prayed for a power cut!!

North London's CUTTING PINK WITH KNIVES are a strange trio, as they prefer playing in the mosh pit rather than the conventional stage! Led by their eccentric frontman, they make plenty of noise backed by a drum machine. It's offbeat and not for me, but the crowd that gather around the acrobatic and athletic trio generally enjoy, even when the band abuse the audience in a wind-up sort of way! C.P.W.K. also oblige with a called for encore and seemed to make some new friends tonight.