Don Broco, The Scholars, Lecarla, Tonight We're Electric.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 2nd April 2010.

Good Friday is busy here on Level 2. A crowd ready for a good time are here to party. The various merchandise stalls decoratively fill one side of the wall. The age group is young, except a few of the parents who seem slightly wary of what they have let themselves in for.

Opening are TONIGHT WE'RE ELECTRIC and what an entrance they make. This five piece shower the crowd with a hailstorm of flying glowsticks! Their bouncy electro pop tunes immediately get all the bodies moving. "Life, life is all that you make it" they scream as the audience are invited to participate in "Rumours". Tonight We're Electric offer the question "We shout one and you chant back two-three-four!". The fans are eager to take up the challenge and when they are cajoled and urged to dance some more, they do, they do, they do!! With forthcoming single "Get Off, Get Off" lapped up and balloons floating around during "Party, Party", Tonight We're Electric kept everybody happy.

LECARLA are possibly the most rock 'n' roll band on the bill tonight. Female dominance rules and, at present, they seem to be gaining some favourable press coverage. Their impressive guitar work stands out. Lecarla, for me, are best summed up by a friend who compares them to Hannah Montana meets L7!! Of their set, we are honoured and treated to the second ever airing of "Violation", while a 'Paramorish' "Obstacles" closes a set that I felt raised more questions than answers about this band.

With a cheesy seventies Sparks intro, plus a vocalist who wears a brightly coloured red tie, THE SCHOLARS are ready to inject some more youthful vigour into a crowd who seemingly just can't get enough dancing. Much like the bulk of this evening, for this reviewer, it's very anti-music. It fails to inspire or ignite, but constructively they look good and have terrific stage presence. I may be left flat and empty by the lyrical substance, but it seems that I am in a minority of one!

Very much in the same vein are DON BROCO. The audience move even closer to worship, and a mighty cheer greets the appearance of not just a band, but a frontman who has had many memorable nights here. A veteran of his unforgettable Summerfall nights, tonight just happens to be Rob's birthday. His styled hair, chiselled good looks and muscular torso make him a winner with the plentiful young ladies in the front row. "Top of the World" is not just a song for this crowd, it's a statement and the feeling for this evening. Rob grins and on this emotionally charged moment, he teases his adoring supporters by asking "Who's got the energy left in them?". For this one last time it seems as though everybody has.

to me are Biggleswade's BLACK POLARIS who, despite the lack of their vocalist, create a good impression with their eighties thrash metal interpretation. With no vocals, the three guitars seem to literally sing, such is the cohesion of the band. This is more than evident on "Salvation". "Lockdown" raises a few chuckles when one of the Black Polaris members duly announces that "it makes me very orgasmic, hope it does the same to you"! Also of note is the bands spinning whirly windmill hair routine, noted by a friend as being a definite plus!