Eyelash, Sirenide, The Ruby Shoes, The Delinquents.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 29th September 2006.

With a deft switch around of personnel, THE DILENQUENTS new (post-Rich) line-up was revealed. It had a touch of local super-group about it. With the recruitment of Fergus (of Love Muscle) on drums, it allowed Robbie (Scratchplate) to switch to guitar. With a smattering of friendly banter, discussions about them being a Dilenquents tribute band, Robbie's broken guitar string plus some very expensive looking jackets on display, I think the jury is still out on whether the departed bass player was missed!

It's great to report that at long last, Dunstable's finest, The RUBY SHOES, finally made it to Level 2. This, after taking a showcase Thursday by storm back in February. By the look of it, Matt and the boys were 'chomping on the bit' to entertain the Bedford public, and they succeeded.
This good time rock & roll outfit probably should have headlined and they immediately grabbed the crowds' attention. Coming across as a latter day Faces with a modern Jet influence, they launch with 'Stand Off' followed by a newer song 'Rattle' which follows the same well worn path. A little diversity is to be found on 'Demons' in which Matts' country 'Blues-esque' solo slot is beautifully performed. The audience play their part perfectly on 'Sweet'. Sing-a-long chorus and arms raised in the air. Great participation, a fine set & you could almost smell the Jack Daniels!

A tough job for Leighton Buzzards' SIRENIDE, in which to follow The Ruby Shoes on that performance, however the 5 piece female fronted combo just took it in their stride and made it look ridiculously easy. Esquires seems like a second home to them as they display plenty of confidence while performing their sparky pop-punk tunes. Sirenides sassy vocalist Llovonne infectiously spars and teases her pre-dominantly male fan club lined up at the front. It's a musical surfers paradise as wave upon wave of riffing melodies wash over us. Terrific times and a whole lot of fun!

Headline band EYELASH are for me, the hangover to all this champagne music. At most, their set is professionally executed. It's all about gothy-art rock by numbers. They display bundles of stage presence but after the first couple of songs, the sound all became rather too predictable. Sorry, perhaps I drunk too much Ruby Shoes and Sirenide.