Henry and the Bleeders, Hooverhead, Dummy Run, Desperate Cycle.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 10th February 2006.

A young Punk night was on the bill tonight as the first act, DESPERATE CYCLE, make a welcome return. However, tonight they were forced to play as a three piece due to their vocalist having a dose of the mumps! The auxiliary singer / guitarist filled in admirably and displayed plenty of anger which combined with the bands good musicianship made for an excessive overdose of punchy punk rock which was highly enjoyable.

DUMMY RUN also had a change to their line up but they had the addition of bass/ vocalist Bunn. Always extremely popular here, this was their first Esquires performance since 'Cravenfest' way back in September. In fact, after hearing a selection of comments during the gig, Dummy Run remain one of those bands that everybody seems to respect. They demonstrate a longevity missing from some other groups and their whole set shows they are still as relevant to the younger bands of Bedfordshire as ever. With old favourites 'Kids', 'Runaway' and most especially 'Strength in Numbers', which live is still a blinder of a tune. They also threw in a few newer songs which also went down well. With some notable gigs coming up in April (such as the Bull and Gate and the Hope and Anchor in London) there is a lot for Dummy Run to look forward to.

Making their debut at Esquires were Stevenage Punk band HOOVERHEAD who are Omar (drums and energy!) Jon (bass / vocals), Luke (guitar / vocals) and Dave (lead / guitar). Although they had to follow Dummy Run's superb set, Hooverhead managed to keep everyone fully focused during their 25 minute set of punk influenced pub rock. Mauling their guitars through frenzied song after frenzied song, they finished off with an odd little ditty called 'Button Moon'!

What more can one say about tonight's headline band. Bedfordshire's incomparable HENRY AND THE BLEEDERS. The only band in town who specialise in Rockabilly with a mean punk attitude. Tonight they also feature Quincy deftly moving around the stage with a double bass, which is no mean feat. The there piece are joined by a new Bleeder Julian who adds horns to the unique sound and he plays Saxophone on two later songs 'Gin and Mustard' and 'Ain't No Good'. With fourteen songs in little over half an hour, this band don't hang around and but you certainly get your money's worth. As well as their invigorating stage show they are currently recording an album which hopefully will be out very soon. All in all a performance loaded with energy and proof indeed that on stage vocalist Adam is totally bananas! Such is the respect that these boys have, there was the added amusing touch at the end of the evening of seeing local Punk legend Jon Tendon acting as a roadie for the Bleeders. Nice One!