Dopamine, Henry and the Bleeders, Meretto, Fifth Quarter.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 24th June 2005.

It may have been Glastonbury weekend but at Esquires we witnessed just as many varying styles of music, and certainly a lot less mud! Two of Bedford's most promising young bands were flanked by a couple of acts who had travelled a fair few miles to entertain us.

FIFTH QUARTER continue to improve and continue on their exploration of 'The Blues'. The three piece played a fine tight set and they show a real passion for their music which is extremely pleasing to see in a band so young.

Playing at the venue for the first time were MERETTO, a three piece indie rock band from London. For me, their standout songs were 'Chainsaw Art' and 'Dog on a Rope' which encapsulated their Killers meets Doves sound. However, and they may not thank me for saying it, the band they most sounded like were 'The Knack'!

More diversity came with my favourite new young band. 'HENRY AND THE BLEEDERS'. They played a raucous and rousing 25 minute set of rock and roll / punkabilly toe tapping toons that really got the crowd moshing. However, the real shock of the night was the revelation that Henry's trademark Mohican is no more! Thankfully, unlike Samson, Henry has maintained his powers and although his Mohawk has gone it is not forgotten - their look may be different but their sound is very much as we like it!

Headlining tonight were DOPAMINE, an 'Emo' band all the way from Wales. Special mention should go to vocalist Neil Starr who expertly guided the band through eight songs of real quality. The tracks 'United by Fear' and 'Save Yourself' were the standouts and I hope that the appreciation the crowd showed made up for the long journey that the lads endured.