Fucked Up, The Smoking Hearts, Betty and the Werewolves, The Radiating Eyes.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 18th August 2008.

During 2008, we have certainly witnessed some large gentlemen jumping around on the Esquires stage. Buster Bloodvessel, Tim Harrington, both heavyweights, but even they seem to pale into comparison to the ample body that belongs to Father Damian 'Pink Eyes' Abraham, frontman and vocalist with hardcore punks FUCKED UP. This man certainly seems to have 'ate all the pies'! It's not long before we get a chance to see it in it's total naked glory! As he strips his top off, he apologises to those of a nervous disposition for what he calls "an accidental droppage of the pants"!

From Toronto, Ontario, Canada, they formed in early 2001. Not just because of their risque band name, F.U. have courted controversy ever since. A legal action is still being fought in the courts even now, but they are loved and adored here in Britain. No hype is needed for this six piece, as tonight they are just stunning and awesome. For me they recreate the spirit of eighties harcore legends such as Black Flag or Nomeansno etc, but they take the genre into the 21st century, much as Gallows has done with the punk scene here.

As "Vivian Girls" opens, there appears to be an uneasy standoff, but when their 2003 single "Baiting the Public" starts, the action on and off stage really gets underway. The songs' pent up frustration is apt. It's anthemic riff equates to the controlled agression of the free-spirited 'Pink Eyes'. The song is superb and never bettered throughout their set. The hundred or so folks venturing out on a Monday night are really not sure whats coming next. "Crusades" includes its mindblowing and numbing chants, while "David comes to life" sees some frenetic moshing. "Invisible Leader" seems to be the chance for the Father to worship to his fans, climbing on the merchandise table as the rest of the band crank it up even more courtesy of drums and four guitarists. This gigantic man surveys his audience then jumps onto the floor, belly wobbling, manboobs bouncing! He moshes and wrestles with any punters in his path. He is drenched with sweat and is seemingly akin to a frustrated WWE wrestler! The only time he gets hurt is when his attempted hanging prank goes a little awry!

The big man seems to like us as well. Apparently, prior to tonight, his mates had asked him "Bedford? Where the fucks Bedford?". Father Damian replied "Bedford is where it's at"! For an out of control frontman, the rest of the band perform consummately, just like a well oiled engine. The guitars literally purr. Many band subconsciously take a half-time breather, padding out the middle of the set with a few sub-standard fillers, but F.U. offer no compromise as the mighty "Fate of Fates" relentlessly explodes. A sonically deranged psychedelic punk opening is the launch pad for Father Damian's incendiary rant about the "Manquellar Man". Tonight "Blaze a Glory" is a massive understatement. With Fucked Up it's a molten furnace of greatness. "Police" and "Jacob's Ladder" bring proceedings to a close. The charismatic frontman demands more from his fellow bandmates and they grant his wishes with an encore. Top man, top band, Fucked Up, enough said!

Of the support bands, much had to be admired about the SMOKING HEARTS performance. Powerful songs are delivered with a superb sound and a frontman well up for the occasion. The same cannot be said of the cute BETTY AND THE WEREWOLVES. On this bill they were simply the wrong band. It's three ladies playing sixties garage pop with a male drummer. They smile a lot and sing of their favourite pop star David Cassidy! "New Sensation" is the quintet's forthcoming single, available in a couple of weeks.

Local punk youngsters THE RADIATING EYES manfully play as a trio earning themselves some good experience in the process.