Floors and Walls, Betaboy, LSD Blues, Tom Evans.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 23rd May 2009.

If there is any justice in the fickle world of musical fame and fortune, then Brighton's FLOORS AND WALLS should surely be a tip to make the breakthrough. Although the quartet are all tightly knit team players, it's the vocalist frontman who is the 'Christiano Ronaldo' of the Floors And Walls. A real star player, very talismatic. Although I would loosely describe them as a 'light and frothy' Rage Against the Machine, their visual stance that they take up makes them, at present, a must see band.

This is, of course, the bands second visit of 2009 and judging by both crowd and band reaction, it would not be a surprise to see them return again. Although I did not have the pleasure of meeting them, they seemed very pleasant young lads. Two songs stand out. A loud cheer erupts when "Tracy" starts up. Audience participation is asked for, but is taken up very slowly. On "Speak", our charismatic frontman jokingly plays with the crowd, almost baiting them. With sweat dripping off them at the end I can forgive them for not doing one more. Thanks Floors And Walls for giving us such an energetic show.

Our first visitor tonight is young local acoustic player TOM EVANS. Fresh faced, he appears to be very nervous. During the set his gaze never alters and his demeanour is very static. Relaxation needs to be introduced. It's a big step to play your first gig on level 2. I feel sorry for the lad because a rather loud sound check by the band downstairs in the bar drowns out the first three songs. His most promising composition is "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead". It's opening reminds me so much of Dylan's "Hurricane". At present, Tom is very early in his musical development, but it's good to see that he already has an EP to promote.

More new faces abound as LSD BLUES debut here. With a telling admission, the vocalist tells us that he has a dodgy throat. To his credit he copes well, as does the rest of this ska influenced line-up. There is a good flow throughout. "Let Me Go" and "Dreams can't be Bought" are bright and bouncy. The added use of a harmonica adds good variation. I also admired the guilty admission of our ailing frontman who, after uttering a rather 'naughty' swear word, apologises profusely! Well it was a touch before the watershed!

Current young local faves BETABOY certainly pack the room. They are an indie quartet with the added variety of a multi-tasking guitarist, who's a dab hand utilizing the synthesizer. I know that it is the band's Esquires debut and a lot of their mates have come to support, but we have the old problem of a vocalist not knowing when to shut up in his between song banter. His continuing verbal garbage really ruins a promising set. As an attendee who is not in your inner circle, can I just make this heartfelt request. Concentrate on your strong points ie performing your songs, and leave the mindless chat for when you are on your mobile. A pity because the songs contained good energy and thought. "Tired Eyes and Arguments" is full of catchy "ay-oh, ay-oh, ay-oh's", while "Good Girl" is enhanced by strong harmonies. Their EP, which is on sale tonight, also shows that this is a young local band worth keeping an eye on.