Red Dollar, Tinker Jack, Diversion.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 22nd September 2007.

A very familiar local musician stepped back on to the level 2 stage this evening. Vocalist and frontman extraordinaire Don Palmacci brought RED DOLLAR back to Esquires for the first time since May 2006. Taking scope, recharging the batteries, or writing new material, whatever caused this gap it was really good to see this quartet back here again. They also introduce their new bassist Ben.
Although they have been away, Red Dollar still ply that 'easy on the ear' agit-rock, which they firstly demonstrate on the sparkling "Domino Effect". It nonchalantly and confidently blows any musical cobwebs right away. After this initial burst they tone the atmosphere down a touch with both "Portsmouth" and "Why Can't We?". The former is a lyrical triumphant 'hands in the air' anthem that seems to epitomise these returning heroes. While "Accents" is a prelude to songs that tell of the collective fighting of life's struggle. The less than evident Red Dollar sarcasm rears its head on "Beautiful Mess", but the mood soon lightens with "F.Y.I.", the band's first ever composition. It also compliments "Eon", which is serenely performed. The final song sees Red Dollar reach an angry conclusion with the rallying call of "Start the Revolution". It's a zenith as always with tons of angst and gusto. At its conclusion there are demands from the crowd for an encore. Mr Palmacci strikes a deal with his fans. He explains that in the past he has witnessed bands perform a song at the start and finish of their set to compare the crowd's reaction. The boys duly reprise "Domino Effect". I can report the deal paid off!

The most striking thing about TINKER JACK, apart from their repertoire of fine pop songs, is that they always appear to be having a whale of a time. Even from the very start when they proudly announce "Tinker Jack are ready!" What follows is a feast of rich melodies and easy laid back guitars. The upbeat "Criminal" blends superbly with the almost REM clone that is "25". It's after this that the band urge everybody to "Step forward to boogie". How can they fail to respond to "Arkansas"? If Tinker Jack do slip up, it's on the very new composition called "Gone, Gone, Gone". A little countryish ditty that nearly comes off despite the limited practice of it. Their last song is "Baby Be Lonely" which includes an epic outro which culminates with guitarist Kristian stage jumping into a very surprised crowd! It shows you just how powerful music can be!

Opening tonight were Letchworth's DIVERSION who have been together for 2 years. Paul Baker, their cocky and confident frontman, soon urges a rather static crowd to "Dance, because you don't move much!" Perhaps a little harsh as I'm sure most of the people here tonight didn't have a clue who this band were. The set is short, of which the blues-rocker "Heaven Help Me" is the pick.