Gain, Knieval Genius, Capo Jr, Craig Currie.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 27th January 2006.

Tonights show is a real pick 'n' mix assortment of bands, all tenderly nurtured downstairs in Danny's Bar and given their chance on Level 2 courtesy of Superstar DJ Pete Burridge.

Last week on Showcase Thursday I and those lucky enough to be present were in awe of a marvellous set by local singer / songwriter CARAIG CURRIE. Tonight he reprises this set to a wider audience. Craig is calmness personified and he only loses his cool towards the end of his set when he breaks a string. My favourite song is the Billy Braggish protest rant about the National Health Serivce entitled 'Agenda for Change'. With a debut CD released shortly and his side project Jets 2 June also making progess, 2006 is looking good for Craig.

The five piece old-school rock outfit CAPO JR are favourites of Danny's Bar and tonight they appear on a mission to warm up a cold Winter's evening as the embark on a supercharged Rock 'n' Roll set. Stripped down and at its most raw and basic, neither intelligent or structured, it's like bare-knuckle boxing with guitars! From 'For Your Own Good' through to 'Hindsight' it's dumb-rock played with fire-breathing intensity. This, my friends, is why we love live music.

KNIEVEL GENIUS on tonight's erratic performance are a loose cannon or a lit firework that hasn't gone off yet! Showing enough raw potential with a sleazy attitude together with a collection of up-beat blasts which keep the crowd hanging on for what's coming up next. However, at times their set seemed to move like a Thameslink train - ie, either at top speed or at a complete standstill!
It will be interesting to see what Knieval Genius' next appearance will bring as when songs such as 'Cloak and Dagger' and the poppy 'Down with the Fairies' were performed they hinted at real substance and style. However, the jury is definitely out on this band.

No such worried for headliners GAIN, who unfortunately perform to a rather sparse crowd - once again the general public display a level of disrespect by leaving once 'their' band has played and gone home. This is a real shame as all the boys are really up for the show tonight.
Gain display a real diversity of musical styles which they manage to shoehorn into their collection of songs. Old style rockabilly seeps into songs which have a modern rock feel. Standout tracks are opener 'Blazin' and especially 'Faster' (which certainly lives up to its name). The anthemic chorus of 'Tommy's Dead' is a complete band effort. Lee's driving beat, Michael and Robert's guitat sound and the totally incredible lung power of Paul who puts every sinew of heart and feeling into this song.