Funyamum, Sirenide, Recovery, Stranger.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 23rd December 2006.

Tonight marked the end of an era as FUNYAMUM, one of Bedford's more perennial bands, bowed out after 15 or so years with their final gig. With Christmas fast approaching, their loyal followers, many of whom were around at the very start of their career, come to say goodbye.
Although not having been a great fan of this band, one has to acknowledge that the superior musicianship of the individuals has to be greatly admired. The funky grooves are soaked up by this party crowd, they lap up this retrospective look back at the songs of their career history. The fusion of acid jazz, rock and light reggae keeps the crowd movin'. Although a sad evening in many regards for both band and fans, most people can only marvel at this joyously frenetic work of wonder... is this really the end?

Main support tonight deservedly goes to Leighton Buzzard five piece SIRENIDE, who include their new rhythm guitarist Hannah Whitmarsh. The band have recently completed their second e.p. and the tracks 'Got The Ticket', 'Victim', 'Siren's Kiss' and 'Realize' are all performed this evening. The band also play a couple of new songs, 'Spin Cycle' and 'What A Waste'. On first hearing, the latter seems to possess a heavier sound. But both fit in perfectly with a set that always switches effortlessly from frothy indie pop to a more scuzzy punk rock sound. Final song 'Light Blue' with the banshee cries of '1-2-3-4' cascades waves of nose. Sirenide have clearly been practising very hard recently, and the work paid off tonight as they knitted together perfectly to provide a dynamic stage show.

Also playing tonight are firstly 'STRANGER', who seem to have settled on appearing as a four piece. As always, vocalist Jess is bubbly and chatty, and rather proud of her sparkly new dress. The addition of their new guitarist is beginning to bear fruit, as he gives the band an extra dimension with his 'rockier' edge. All the old favourites are performed as well as a couple of new compositions, of which 'Don't Waste My Time' especially caught my ear.

The exquisite sounds of 'RECOVERY', complete this quartet of female fronted bands, which tonight makes a lovely change from the norm. Tonight the band have a stand in drummer as their regular sticksman is in Australia. Their performances here this year have always been polished and professional, played with a consummate ease. The funky riffs of 'Go' contrasts with the beautifully sung 'Thinking of You'.