The Eighteenth, The Kites, Stranger, Acosta.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 17th June 2005.

REVIEW 1 BY STEPH NYMAN

ACOSTA:
Have to say the first time I have seen them although I know they have been here before and a pretty good outfit. A little nervous of the stage I thought but most important was the music (obviously!) ... I was entertained throughout their set and think after a while of gigging around their stage 'presence' will match the quality of their tunes. Very little stage presence - due to probably a bit of nerves??? ... no interaction with the crowd, just quietly announcing songs with some small but silent pauses. nothing that can't be rectified with a little time. Still enjoyed it tho.

STRANGER:
Love this girl,...seen her a few times and she has got BAGS of talent. She has great power on stage with some fantastic melodies. The backing compliments her so well and a remark to Martins comments on this gig is that I don't think she needs anything else (lead guitarist). The simplicity of the act and style does not warrant it. Any further additions would spoil it. Wonderful with the crowd, looked very comfortable and professional up there. She is an absolute delight to listen to - a slightly heavier (musically you understand!!) Sheryl Crow ... top stuff! Looking forward to seeing her (Stranger) again.

THE KITES:
Definitely the best act of the night by a long shot but these guys have got it pinned. I have never seen such power from a three piece band. Totally full ... and tight ... hell .... you couldn't get tracing paper between them! Since seeing these guys I checked out their website and even went as far as to buy their album. Having a read they are signed to Matchbox Recordings and they describe The Kites as 'Retro Indie Rock' ... and I would agree with this. Their opening track (sorry guys don't know the title!! - cos it's not on your album!) was awesome. Yes there was the odd 'classic' rock thrown in, but hell who cares. The playing was masterful, tight and well structured - more indie than rock tho in my humble opinion.
I think the fact that they were the only band to get people up on the floor and moving - something none of the other bands achieved proves they were the peach of the night! I noticed a lot of 'inter-band' chat going on with The Kites after their set and at the end of the night ... so I think the other bands rated these guys too. One of the BEST bands here for a long long time. LETS HAVE EM BACK!!!!! (preferably with Stranger on the bill too?!?!)

THE EIGHTEENTH:
This for me was the disappointment of the night, especially as they were the headline act. To me, they should have been the opening act as they were the least entertaining - they also seemed to have an identity crisis. The band need more time to gel and there were gaps all over their playing ... and what they were playing was (sorry to say it) painful. Certainly not headline quality. Again, not looking too comfortable and the 'presence' just was not there. Sorry chaps.

REVIEW 2 BY BETH JONES

STRANGER were really good and sounded really professional. I am amazed at the previous review of The Kites and the Eighteenth. Stranger sounded good and their sound and professionalism was great. They had some hot songs and I am waiting for them to send a cd to me.

THE KITES totally rocked Esquires. They brought the place alive and played totally originally and professionally. How can anyone say it was an off night?! I found all their music got me and really appealed to me. The crowd loved them and so did the other bands!

THE EIGHTEENTH really struggled. They were young and the immaturity showed in the music and performance I am afraid to say. It all seemed a bit messy and scrappy not strong! Infact all their friends were leaving during their set.

I think I can talk for 99% of the people there and say that the Kites brought the place alive, their music rocked, their performance rocked and we loved them. They made a huge impact and deserve to do really well. I would go to see them again and again.

REVIEW 3 BY MEL LINSELL

Me and my friend are not usually frequenters of Esquires. It was a bit of an intimidating experience but we went specifically to see THE KITES. There album is fantastic, we downloaded it from their website. Me and my friend enthusiastically went to Esquires to see them play live.
It was a fantastic performance, the crowd was very unreactive to the four bands performing but as I looked around the room whilst The Kites played everyone was tapping their toes and feeling The Kites vibe and they were the only band that encouraged someone to dance! They were clearly the most experienced and talented band playing!

There were other bands that showed potential especially STRANGER, the singer, Jess had a great voice and their style was great. I especailly like their song with no name. I actually recommended to Jess and her temporary drummer of the night that this song is named Rain. I spoke to her and the rest of the band after her performance and asked for a copy of her CD to be sent to me. We discussed The Kites later in the day and they was also very impressed with them.

The Kites lifted the crowd and have such great lyrics and songs, the musicians were confidently talented and shared solos. It was clear that the other bands were still experimenting with their sounds and style and The Kites were already there!

THE EIGHTEENTH performed with no real passion or care for their music. They appeared immature and at a loss for lyrics. The only song they performed confidently was a cover! They clearly have a following in Bedford and people gathered to watch them but not one danced and a man in the audience kept telling them their guitars were out of tune!

The Kites music was vibrant, funky, enthralling and kept my attention continuously.
I will be going to see The Kites again and I expect them to be very successful!