Jack Peñate, The Video Nasties, Dylan Lee Jones.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2 24rd March 2007.
The Roar Club may have been missing for these last few weeks, but the massive demand for tickets for tonight's gig certainly gives credence to the old adage "absence makes the heart grow fonder".
JACK PEÑATE may not be, at the moment, a huge household name, but in the near future who knows? Given that tonight he literally blew away the cobwebs of a usually sleepy town and backed by just guitar and drums, he charismatically and whimsically entertained a sold out, full house. Peñate could probably be descibed as a commercially packaged rockabilly version of Jamie T, all with a brooding flamenco flavoured undercurrent! I must admit it's not totally my cup of tea, but this reviewer is in a minority of one because this crowd were certainly 'mad for it' and 'up for it'!!
At present, Jack Peñate is embarking on his first major tour and has just completed his debut album for a Summer release. On the back of a Myspace frenzy he is now enjoying appearances on Radio and MTV; in fact he's a natural for 'Later with Jools Holland'! As he makes his way into Level 2 in order to catch a glimpse of his support band, he is instantly mobbed and back-slapped by his fans, a bit like reuniting with a long-lost friend. Autographs are eagerly asked for and duly scribbled.
Wearing a rather large baseball cap, he displays a warm and friendly demeanour as he innocently enquires "Is this a tough place?" The songs are quick-witted with a cutting edge and the between songs banter is jovially presented. He precedes "Second, minute or hour" by speculating 'that the Spanish seem to sweat a lot and are naturally very hairy"!
He seems stunned and surprised by the wild cheering and crowd surfing that occurs during his thirty minute set, and as it draws to a close he tosses his cap into the audience where it is quickly snaffled by one lucky punter. Somewhat surprisingly, given the fanatical and enthusiastic support afforded to him, Peñate fails to re-appear for an encore. I can only imagine that he was either overcome with emotion or perhaps he had simply ran out of songs!
Supporting Jack Peñate where a somewhat ironically named band called THE VIDEO NASTIES who turned out to be most pleasant and are most notable for a couple of big haired guitarists, one of whom wears a most fetching psychedelic splattered jersey!
Also, replacing the pre-advertised Adele was hoodie-clad acoustic troubadour DYLAN LEE JONES, he of the big glasses and witty lyrics.
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordesquires.co.uk