Eyelash, Wolflaw, The Radiating Eyes, The Fabulous Weapon.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 20th March 2009.

There is, I sense, a real buzz of excitement at Esquires this evening. A good sized crowd supporting a varied line-up of bands on show. Many are here to see headliners EYELASH who, although London based, have strong Bedford connections. Drummer Flo is of course known to followers of Moolie and Funyamum amongst others, while guitarist Ru also has local links. At present, the male/female quartet are touring to promote their debut album "Recession". Sadly, it was truly savaged by journalist Camilla Pia in the NME where it earned a measly 2/10. To be fair to the reviewer, the set by Eyelash tonight doesn't inspire me to buy a copy! These young folks are very skilled and talented, but I am not a huge fan of this retro 80's new wave. Their look is ultra slick and the stage choreography is amazing. Eyelash are a photographers dream. The quartet are joined on stage by another local musician of note, Johnny Parry. His skills add variety to what is mainly a one track set.

Filling in at such short notice to replace absentees The Shebeats might have fazed some bands, but having supported Eyelash at MK Pitz recently, WOLF LAW were ready to do battle again. I know I am a big fan, but the lads' set tonight was blistering. Sound engineer Emily really cranked up the power and the boys thrived on it. From the opening "Obey the law" to a mesmerising finale of "Hardwired and hellbent", there is a surge of passion that every live rock band should aim for. Their energized batch of modern anthems are constructed upon a pyre of swirling emotions with their attention grabbing hooks allied to such luscious dynamics. The furious guitars produce these anthemic tunes. Watching Roy, Jason, Sean and Lee toight, I feel that they produced enough kinetic energy to power the whole Esquires building!

Considering their tender years, Bedfordshire quartet The RADIATING EYES have, in their short lifespan, explored many facets of punk. Known initially as fast and frenetic old skool revivalists, they have changed their bassist and transfigured into a more hardcore outfit. Vocalist Ben is now free of his guitar and roams the stage and other parts of the room randomly. Discordant bursts a plenty, but the charisma of guitarist Dazz allied to the all round total confidence exuded is to be applauded. The velocity embedded in this claustrophobic assault is also to be admired. This is not a performance by a bunch of thumb-sucking schoolboys gurning to their mates. They have shifted their sound to cater for the screeching sonics, of which there is more than enough here to satisfy those of us here partial to a touch of heaviosity!

Opening, and with their Esquires debut, are Hitchin based THE FABULOUS WEAPON, who left us with enough tunes to suggest that they might be back again soon. Engagingly cordial with everyone plus they bring good support. The five-piece outwardly revel on the Esquires stage, playing with a controlled cocky strut. Mixing blues rock to their 60's influenced songs, I particularly enjoyed "Keep the picture rolling" which had instant appeal. Also "Fuzz on my back" garnered many favourable comments from the locals in attendance.

would, I feel, be unfair of me to review ROGUE RADIO's performance this evening as they are hampered by the loss of their DJ who has been laid low by a bout of food poisoning. The lads' response is a spirited shout of 'the show must go on', especially today we lost "Ultrasonic flow" from the gig. Commendably the quartet coped well in their bandmate's absence. Still on a high perhaps from their Dublin Castle gig a couple of days earlier. "Lady Luck" is an inspired or ironic choice tonight.