Glamour for Better, Party Shank.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 6th August 2008.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. This statement tells us where we are tonight as the musical variation that Esquires prides itself was evidenced by the appearance of nu-ravers Party Shank and GLAMOUR FOR BETTER. These two unsigned bands are currently just into their non-stop nationwide August tour. With schools and colleges shut for the summer holidays, it's a perfect opportunity for the youngsters to see their young heroes. The seventy or so boys and girls who attended are here to party. They immediately make their way to the front as firstly Glamour For Better arrive on stage.

For a joke, their vocalists opening words are "Hi, we are Hadouken"! They are not, but their sound is pitched at that genre with a dated Enter Shikari metal mix thrown in from time to time. As they play out the opening "These Things Take Time", their unlucky guitarist already snaps a string! As he hurriedly runs his repairs on a tight g-string, the rest of the band rally around. "Anyone out there fancy a singalong?" they ask. Thankfully the hold up is not too long, as they then perform a new song "The Last Great Shuffle". According to Glamour For Better we, the audience, are privileged to hear! The young kids certainly think so as they dance away. What strikes me most about this band is their non-pretentious manner. Communication is important, and hey, what about a vocalist that wears a hoodie in a roasting venue. They perform "I'll Wait For You" for something like only the second time, but it's perfect. The band win me over.

PARTY SHANK are a different musical animal completely. This trio are all about 'breakcore', although these smart young lads have invented the strange musical term of 'toycore'. This constitutes the putting of putting beats over childrens toys (yes really) and inserting nintendo soundtracks. Above all, they are certainly not nu-rave! They have not sold out. Judging by the kids' reaction, this is the band that they have come to see - audience participation seems to increase by a good fifty percent. The house lights dim and the opening "What's Your Name?" is thundered out under an absolute torrent of strobes, which continue for the rest of the set as they react to the heavy bassline sounds.

Although it's loud, the band seem to constantly ask for more drums in their monitors which, to my ears, seems to impair their general sound. The years-old adage of quality not quantity springs to mind! The boys and girls care not one bit as they are here to get 'slaughtered'. Especially when their bass heavy favourite "Penis vs Vagina" is announced and performed. As the band play out, they give a shout to their adoring youngsters "Bedford you've been insane!", and yes, I had to agree they certainly had been.