Darren Michaelangelo-Smith & The Kraze, Pirate Radio, Valentone, Ed Bowfinger.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 15th February 2008.

Modern World Promotions provided this evenings varied fare which started with an appearance by acoustic man ED, better known to all and sundry as the ginger haired geezer from BOWFINGER! As always, he is immaculately attired, plus for good measure, some Bowfinger mates are in the crowd to cheer him on and hear a different slant on these familiar songs. Immediately he comments that "It makes a nice change to be here without the band"! Lean and wiry, Ed constantly moves around the stage like a cross between Lee Evans and the Duracell bunny! It's hyper-visual throughout, no high stool or comfy chair for this acoustic lad. Musically, I thought the stripped down Bowfinger songs worked well, especially "38" and the poppy "Action girl" which closed Ed's engaging set.

Two bands, not seen at Esquires for a long time filled the middle positions. It was certainly a strange decision to slot VALENTONE on to the bill tonight. Their opening salvo is the grungy "No More, No More" which seems to alienate them from a large slice of the audience. There's no let up either when new song, the rockin' "I Go Back Home" is performed. For me, they earn praise for a totally whole-hearted effort, even if their guitar-vocalist did resemble 'Garth' from Wayne's World through my rather lager tinted glasses!

It's a warm Esquires welcome back to Luton's PIRATE RADIO, who have changed their drummer since the last time I saw them. She is now a he!! Unfortunately I couldn't track them down afterwards to find out the whole story. However this indie rock trio still pack a powerful punch. Of the set this evening, its "If You Think, Move, Dance" and the semi-funky "Scenesters" that really grab my attention, with it's lyrical waxings about people around music and fashion, while the savage punky blast of "Anti-social Negotiations" cuts to the bare bone.

Returning again, and almost an adopted Bedfordian, is DARREN MICHAELANGELO SMITH, this time with his band The Kraze. A second viewing for me and the boys are beginning to paint a picture of their musical style. It's pitched somewhere between The Rumblestrips and Dead 60's, glossed with a retro mod exterior shell. Ska dominates the opening "Say a Lil' Prayer". Controlled aggression abounds from the sinister "Nuffin but Trouble". D.M.S. and The Kraze also showcase their forthcoming single "Same Old Story", which they hope to release in a couple of months. Of their tight set tonight, my favourite has to be "On the Dancefloor", which includes a brass intro to precede this sumptiously light lovers rock tune. A repective cover of Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher" emphasises this bands all round appeal.

Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordesquires.co.uk



REVIEW 2

(Modern World Promotions) There seems to be a resurgence of high profile, emerging bands playing at Esquires these days. This month alone the likes of Les Savy Fav, Los Campesinos, I Was A Cub Scout and the erratic, angular attack force that is Rolo Tomassi will all grace the Level 2 stage. However there is still always room for more local talent. Modern World Promotions were responsible for this one, and an interesting line up of bands they brought with them. BOWFINGER's ED opened the proceedings with a tight acoustic set which set a warm tone for the evening. Unfortunately I only caught the end of this due to the incompetence of a (supposedly) local taxi driver who was unable to properly locate Union Street!

Next up were VALENTONE, who showcased three new songs along with a few old favourites they've perfected from extensive out of town gigging. The newer tracks have a distinct punkier edge to them; yet at the same time retain the heaviness of their more original rock orientated material. 'Go Home' had a slight Scottish feel to it, perhaps brought on by the vocals and changing time signatures. There final song (a new one too) opened on a blinding riff that was in fact right hand tapping, a skill usually reserved for boisterous solos, yet here harnessed to provide a solid groove over which some frenetic drumming and guitar interplay closed their set.

Luton based three piece: PIRATE RADIO spent no time getting set up and injected a bit of movement into the audience with their original blend of Funk, Indie and Punk. Their charismatic Bass player opening with a slap bass line sounding heavily influenced by pre Blood Sugar Sex Magic RHCP. Their sound is perhaps best described as unrestrained, which is by no means a bad thing. Most songs incorporate at least one change of rhythm, which forestalls the monotony so often brought on by British Indie bands. The guitarist/singer does well in his dual activities, in fact all three seem completely at ease on stage, the Drummer anchors the band with solid beats and a tasteful use of cymbals. The Bassist (by this time topless) is a versatile guy providing falsetto vocals on 'If Your Feet Can Move Dance', which is a Tune to say the least. Lyrically - it all seems a bit frivolous, but then again, no one listens to the lyrics� right?

Rounding off the evening was DMS And The KRAZE! Who play a fusion of acoustic led Indie, with subdued hints of Ska and even Reggae. Like Pirate Radio they've warranted a fair bit of attention recently and have a healthy list of shows to look forward to in the coming months. Their Trumpet player who also plays keyboard lends the band its Ska tag, the rest of the Ska aesthetic however, seemed quite restrained tonight. I feel another Brass player would have really bolstered the sound and solved this for them. Regardless the band played a tight, well-rehearsed set, with prominent vocals delivered with clarity.