The Feeling, Ryon, Seven Storeys High.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. Wednesday 22nd February 2006.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook.

A rare midweek gig on Level 2 is always thoroughly welcome and although tonight it coincides with the Chelsea v Barcleona match, the chance to see The Feeling far outweighs that. The venue is alive and buzzing as everyone present is anticipating the chance to witness just how good this 'hotly tipped' band really are.

What especially grabs my attention is that the entire crowd seem to fully appreciate the support bands on show - there are times when on a big Esquires night they can get a little neglected. SEVEN STOREYS HIGH again produce a fine set of Elbow influenced indie-rock and they are followed tonight by RYON. If their name puzzles you somewhat, I can reveal that they are the band formerly known as The Tempest. Tonight was the unveiling of their change of name and they further their credentials with a complete performance of anthemic rock reminiscent of Joshua Tree era U2.

In the last couple of weeks a certain piece of music has filtered from the airways of national radio. A romantic, tear inducing, heart rendering ballad that has top ten hit written all over it and hopefully should crash into the upper echelons of the chart this week. That song is called, quite simply, 'Sewn'. Tonight, THE FEELING showcase it in all it's full spectacular glory, and for everyone present it is the undoubted pinnacle of their set.





Frontman Dan Sells has admitted recently that the band take influence from Seventies soft rock giants such as Supertramp and 10cc. Although this could easily be consided naff or uncool, the simple hook of their tunes capture the crowd's hearts. With a major support slot with The Charlatans during April and May and a lucrative record deal with Island under their belts, The Feeling could just have it sewn up this year (groan - Ed) .



RUN LIKE FUN opened this Hairgel evening and the Milton Keynes four piece pop punk band play a set that although for me is not radical enough, they are extremely keen and do not waste their alloted time on stage and that always deserves our appreciation and credit. Their song 'China' is a definite highlight from tonight's set.