Fastlane, Sirenide, Cool Ethan.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. Saturday 11th March 2006.

Phew! We don't seem to get an ordinary, mundane, evening here anymore!. Sauntering into the Esquires car park, I stand and stare in utter disbelief at what greets me. Has the N.A.S.A. control centre decamped to Bedford? Aerials, satellite dishes, sound vans, cables, wires, what is happening? Well, a Sky music channel is currently looking for a small intimate venue to film and ultimately showcase new and unsigned bands. Tonight is a dress rehearsal and Esquires is on trial!

Level 2 is awash with technicians and equipment. One stationary camera is situated at the rear of the room, one on the side and two camera operators are on either flank of the stage. So, it's lights, camera, action - let the evening commence.

In this surreal environment, the talented young 'COOL ETHAN' enter the stage to produce a rock cocktail in front of what I can only describe as an extremely disappointing sized crowd. Perhaps the people of Bedford do not wish to appear on TV - too passé perhaps? Anyway, this was a competent set by Cool Ethan, the track 'Chinese' being the most impressive.

Leighton Buzzard's SIRENIDE emerged last year and their performance were always impressive. Tonight they make their first Esquires appearance of 2006. Included in their line-up and playing only his second gig with the band is new drummer Drew, who seems to be responsible for a heavier sound with his primal drum patterns.
Vocalist Llovonne dons as daring an outfit as we've seen at Esquires for a while, as she struts back and forth, long hair, huge grin and a voice somewhat like a sleazy honey-coated growl. Amie, Nicki and Andy whip their guitars with a venomous precision, eliciting killer licks and riffs.
The set tonight features all their familiar songs as they ooze youthful energy and confidence. Sirenide are 100% proof teen spirit and as always I look forward to a taste of it.

Headlining tonight are FASTLANE, all the way from leafy suburban Surrey - Guildford to be a little more precise. With more than a little nod to My Awesome Compilation, Fastlane feature Ben Phillips (vocals), Ian Maynard (bass/vocals), Matt O'Grady (lead guitar), Adam Biffen (guitar) and Gary Tough (drums).
Arriving in Bedford at the tail end of their tour, they display copious amounts of enthusiasm and energy. A small mosh pit evolves quickly as Ben commands their every move. Gary's stunning and amazing drum solo at the prelude to 'Comfortable Silence' is witnessed by an awe-struck audience. 'When it's Over' is a song that fully typifies this angry young band who tonight performed with a fire-breathing intensity.