Flylow, The Antec Sonata, The 66 Kicks, The Anglians.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. Thursday 30th March 2006.

FLYLOW, a massive touring band from Finland have played in front of thousands in huge mega-seater stadiums across Europe and on their current UK tour are playing such venues as The Garage and the Camden Barfly. Before heading for the Southampton Joiners they stop from a quick visit to Paul Craven's Thursday evening showcase evening here in Danny's Bar. Danny's Bar? Are you sure?? I hear you ask, but yes it happened tonight.
Totally fuelled up by a traditional pre-gig meal consisting of the best Bedford pizza Flylow, who consist of Luke Kaarto (lead vocals, guitar), Paul Hauta-Aho (lead guitar, backing vocals), Jay Mattia (drums) and the new boy in the band bassist Marko, are the purveyors of eighties big hair rock and how they transformed a cold frosty evening into something special was quite unbelievable. Speaking excellent English they conducted themselves admirably and despite their hometown status were both warm and approachable.
Opening with 'Just a Story', frontman Luke cuts a striking figure with his spiky top of bleached blonde hair and his piercing mad Rasputin eyes that seem to stare through every single one of us. The song included a blistering guitar solo from Paul. Most of the songs they play tonight are featured on their fine debut album 'Bridges' which the lads recorded in Brooklyn, New York, last year.
Thankfully, 'Good Vibrations' is not a Beach Boys cover. However, the title is repetitively used and Luke's theatrical gesturing tells the tale of the song. Things become a little more reflective with the song 'Strange' which tells the tale of a broken love affair. The tempo returns to normal with 'Nightmare', after which the band favourably comment about their Thursday night in Bedford. 'Brand New Boy' is dedicated by Luke to anyone that wants a child and the song sees Paul decide that he want to play guitar standing on a table. Not the smartest idea and as he aborts his mission Bedford Metal supremo Nigel see's his pint of Guiness liquidising on the carpet. I bet that doesn't happen at Donnington!
'Rodeo' ends Flylow's set with a foot tapping, head nodding tune that pulls all the band together, much like their terrific 40 minute set.

Supporting tonight were firstly THE ANGLIANS, a basic working title for Pete Ouse and three of his mates to run through a very Fall'ish set. Our very own Pete Ouse runs the immortal Mark E. Smith very close for quirkiness with some very wide and varied sounds that never seem to know where they are heading or ending.

THE 66 KICKS are a Hertford / North London band that have been together for 3 years and who produce some intelligent bluesy rock and roll.

Flitwick based THE ANTEC SONATA have emerged from the ashes of The DAT Squad and tonight they are playing their fourth gig in just six days. This band are tight, both musically and visually, with good solid vocals from James whose range and depth fully capture the feel of a band who have moved on substantially since they last visited the venue. Special mention to Barbs (mate, glad to know somebody remembers Sonic Youth!) who was a trainee sticksman last time but now he is growing into the part. Donnie is the cool and silent bass player and for me the set is nod and a trip down memory lane to Husker DU, a much underrated band of the eighties, for which I say thanks!