The Debt Collectors, Near the Knuckles, Playing Away.

Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. 11th April 2009.

Easter Saturday in Danny's Bar had been pretty unspectacular. As per usual it rained solidly, with a journey to Frost Garden Centre or perhaps Ikea on some peoples must do list for the day. Stimulation for the music fans in Bedford came in the form of ska. With Level 2 closed until tomorrow Danny's Bar saw three bands performing for what was in essence a warm up for ska explosion of gigs in a couple of weeks time.

PLAYING AWAY were the fist to hit the mics. They are the most recognisable to most people here. 'Direction' is a good start, its full of "One Step Forward and Two Steps Backward." Although they are missing their trombonist, its good to see the sometimes nervous vocalist indulging in some good natured banter with some over zealous individual in the audience. His self depreciation humour is spot on. 'Mr Fantastic' is their best song of the set. It appears to me to be their anthem. The as yet untitled song seemed to involve the in-joke of the evening which included "Fish Sticks". 'Don't Say That' is an opportunity for the vocalist to really spit out his lyrics.

NEAR THE KNUCKLES hail from Buckinghamshire and probably are my favourite band of the evening. They comprise Brad (guitar, vocals) Charlie (drums) Darly (guitar) and Make (bass) and their set tonight includes so many songs from their album of last year, called 'Fat Cats and Rat Traps'. The excellent opener 'Rat Attack' is about what Brad kindly class a "knob heads!" Basically youngsters scrounging off their parents. This band, who err on the side of punk have some terrific social commentary material. 'Bouncer' is typical, it tells of those loveable door persons. 'Catalogue of Disasters' feature a real "shouty" opening, wide eyed and staring is the feature of this song. 'Sort Out Tomorrow' is a slower one of which their travelling fans really skanked to. There is a fun element to 'Jonnys Car' while 'Never Question Me Again' has heavy 'Clash' influences.

DEBT COLLECTORS are a slight disappointment. They have great energy and even invite Richard 'Delinquent' Tayor to join in which is repeated when later Ben of the Radiating eyes climbs aboard for 'Roots Radical Rockers'. The trio tend to play more for their mates in the crowd rather than for the rest of us. Putting that comment apart it has on the whole been a most enjoyable evening.