Devilish Presley, Graveyard Johnnys, Luna.

Lev 1 & 2 Esquires Bedford. 2nd October 2009.

As Meat Loaf sang all those years ago, "Two out of three ain't bad". This sprang to mind after a couple of outstanding performances by both Luna Vegas and Graveyard Johnnys, the gig rather turned sour for me by the appearance of headliners Devilish Presley.

LUNA VEGAS have changed personnel since I last saw them. Their very skilled blind guitarist has been replaced by a young man who is just as talented. However, with all due respect to him and the energetic drummer, this band is all about the upright bass player and vocalist. His facial expressions seem to change constantly. One minute he has the look of an angelic choirboy with such an innocent smile, the next it turns to the kind of thousand yard stare that could unsettle the toughest street heavy. This traditional psychobilly trio operate with a smooth fifties strut full of raunchy slap bass, perfectly offset by some neat distorted guitar work. The stomp is very catchy. The vocalist's quirky between song comments add to the enjoyment. Sweating profusely, and with a grin that reminds me of Jack Nicholson in The Shining, his words of wisdom are as follows - "Oh yeah, we're alive!", "Yeah having a wild time!", and "I'm giving you all I've got!". Introducing a later song he says that "It's time for a bit of raving with the raven!". Luna Vegas - great fun!

After their memorable winter's visit, Cardiff's finest, GRAVEYARD JOHNNYS are back and as outrageous as ever. The lads tell me that they have recently enjoyed a tour of Finland, but seem very happy to be back in Bedford. The rather hesitant crowd are quickly asked to move a bit nearer the stage. "Can you come closer so we can smell what you are like"! This request surely does not apply to GJ's drummer who, at the start of the set, is facially barely visible. A natty trilby is matched by a long flowing scarf that covers all his face except for the 'steely Welsh eyes'. Thankfully it's not long before the scarf is removed.

This band are more punk driven, but still possessing the finer components of psychobilly. A rare cover is worthy of note. It forms as a tribute to the late Bo Diddley. The trio give it fine respect as they passionately sing "You can't judge a book by looking at the cover". The excellent "Voodoo lover", a favourite from the last visit is again so good. They continue to accentuate restless dynamics, while their melodic muscle is perfectly displayed. It's been a long journey and the boys are ready to party. No brandy this time, but they do admit that "the van's in the car park and we've got a couple of ciders"! As I left Esquires in the early hours, Graveyard Johnnys were true to their word, apparently even cooking some sausages! What fantastic characters. Truly what the music scene is all about. Not to my liking are DEVILISH PRESLEY. Loosely I would describe them as gothic glam punk. They consist of Johnny (guitar, vocals) and Jacqui (bass, vocals). The music is fast but, horror of horrors, they are backed by a drum machine - a pet hate that this reviewer never recovered from! Johnny does most of the talking, although I felt he was quite misanthropic at times as he conducted his badinage with the crowd. The assorted and colourfully dressed fans are taken in by the duo, especially on "Flesh ride" and "Devil's station" where Johnny chillingly sings "Satan is my DJ"! A strange band to include on this particular evening.