Fell City Girl, Voilet Matinez, Recovery.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 6th May 2006.

With so many varying influences, ranging from the vocals of Norah Jones to the sounds of the Red Hot Chili Peppers but all with an indie coating, Leighton Buzzard's RECOVERY are a hard act to nail down and define. Tonight they make a most welcome debut on Level 2. They write and play some gorgeous songs and are yet another band to 'graduate' from a showcase evening.
Their set leans towards some deep down funky sounds, none more so than on 'Calling' and 'Go'. Michelle seems remarkably at ease, as her voice covers all the different genres of music that her bandmates throw at her. Their set concludes with the most beautiful of their offerings - 'Lady', which is also one of their newest compositions, and leaves me in an ebullient daze!

from the divine offerings of Recovery, we have a total 'Chalk and Cheese' situation with our next band VOILET MARTINEZ. No, not an elderly Spanish lady playing Flamenco but a very angry young 4 piece Babyshamblesesque indie-punk band. Vocalist Pierre Beecrofy has the stage demeanour of an opponent of World Boxing Champion Ricky Hatton as he stumbles and staggers around the stage for the entirety of their set. What was initially an amusing persona rapidly became a little tiresome and a bit boring, which cannot be said of the music which as times displayed a cocky assurance. Daniel Bowles and Stuart Williams guitar work 'chainsawed' expertly and Josian Watts drumming was 'meaty and beaty'. 'Headaches' was a fine opener whilst 'Sticks' was a perfect 2 chord pop-punk anthem. However, it's not to say the set was great all the way through - a few somewhat lightweight songs simply went through the motions.

Headlining tonight were FELL CITY GIRL, an archetypal Indie band from Oxford. Like the City itself, they were pleasant and charming in an 'olde worlde' sort of way. They played with due aplomb and are currently on a British tour which includes an appearance at 'The Great Escape Festival' in Brighton. The band showcased their new single - the calming and genteel 'Swim' and it was by far the stand out song, as well as other songs from their recent 'Statues' EP. Vocalist Phil (who bears an uncanny resemblance to a very young Sting) demonstrates his vocal ability on new song 'February Snow'. He also informs us during their set that they've had to invest in a new van as their old one broke down - ah, it's tough at the top in the music business! Fell City Girl are also regulars at the 'Truck Festival' in their hometown - check them out if you are there.