The Foxes, Finger and Thumbs, Judy Mooch, Sculptures.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 21st May 2010.

"Depression, joy and a moment of fame" is both the tour name and title of the recently released EP from tonight's headliners The Foxes. Although this quartet are London based, there is, I sense, a warm affinity between them and us here at Esquires. Despite a wretched turnout, The Foxes performance showed us, once again, 100% commitment. As previously, they are only too pleased to stay behind and speak to people post-gig. The new EP is on sale and it's with their own Room 10 Records label. It was recorded at the famous Sawmills studios in Cornwall, a place where The Stone Roses, Supergrass and Muse have laid down their best efforts.

It's not the easiest of starts for THE FOXES as frontman Nigel Thomas admits prior to "Get Me", "My acoustic guitar has died. I will have to go nuclear with my electric one!". "Out of service" comes over slightly retro baggyish. Following "Meat and Wine" is another new one called "Something About You". This composition accentuates the variation in The Foxes varied musical armoury. It's a beautiful melange of sub 60's guitar pop sounds. The lyrics speak for themselves, "Don't worry about tomorrow". It's ironic as old favourite and their first single "Trauma Town" follows. It's given a fresh airing, but probably usurped by the velocity and power surge that is "Susie".

Support begins with the delightfully named FINGERS AND THUMBS, an acoustic duo who feature Harriet (ukelele) and Tom (guitar). Having witnesed their Esquires debut a few weeks ago, it was noticeable tonight to see how much more confident they both were. Unfortunately, Harriet is suffering from a painful sore throat. She diligently sings and plays on. The set is to be enjoyed. I especially liked "The Wale Song" and another one called "Wolves". The interactive spark between the young musicians creates quite a few idyllic moments.

JUDY MOOCH are a forceful four piece who posess such a terrible band name. They put so much endeavour into the majority of their songs. "Picadilly Circus" is a bright opener, while "Make it Happen" is a new one, which the band acknowledge may go badly wrong. Thankfully it didn't! Although the majority of their songs are of the 'happy poppy' variety, they admit that "I Remember" is a contrast. "Doctor Doctor" is their finale, for which they have made a video due on iTunes in July.

Returning to see us are SCULPTURES. They formed on a crisp winters morning in early 2010. Joe Cherry (bass, vocals), Ryan Balch (guitar) and Frankie Sparrowhawk (drums) got together and with a mutual love of alternative rock, set about their task. They felt that in a world so neutral, so middle of the road, and so thoroughly sitting on the fence, that they wanted to do something a little different. Judging by their efforts, it's a promising start. "Litttle Russia" thrives from a driving drum beat. The lads offer a dedication to all the Mum's efforts with "A Mothers Work". Crossing over a wide musical boundary, the trio impress me most with "Escapology". Biting lyrics are written "I don't care what they say, I just wanna escape my mind". With no 'over the top' silly stage histrionics, they preferred to let their music do the talking.