Henry and the Bleeders, The Dilinquents, Liam Vernon.

Esquires Bedford Lev 1. 27th May 2006.

A packed bar saw the return of one of Bedfordshire's most original and popular young bands, namely Henry and the Bleeders who themselves were ably supported by a couple of their protégés - The Dilinquents (sic) and Liam Vernon.

Since their last appearance, HENRY AND THE BLEEDERS have won a 'battle of the bands' competition in Northampton as well as gigging and gaining huge popularity in the North of England, most notably Sheffield. Their music appeals to all ages and most importantly, people who appreciate the history of music. They buck against the trend of most youngsters who just follow the current flavour of the month, whether that be Ska-Pink, Emo, Metal etc. Henry and the Bleeders are fist and foremost a 'psycho-billy' bans that also tap into late fifties rock'n'roll and has a pulse and heartbeat in 'old skool' punk - quite a musical cocktail.
Tonight the boys sprinkle in yet more song (they write a copious amount of material) including 'Moonlit Silhouette' and 'My Old Lady' (a song that has been given quite a revamp since its original conception). Rubber jointed protagonist Adam, mean fingered Quincy and sticks supremo Miles are joined mid session by saxophonist Julian for a 'psycho-billy jazz jam' before they step into Eddie Cochran's '20 Flight Rock'. The old favourites 'Gin & Mustard' and 'Operation Suicide' are also not forgotten. The almost football crowd like chant of 'Bleederrzz, Bleederrzz' after each song grows increasing louder and at the 'fag-end' at the set, some rather drunker 1950's style pseudo-jiving breaks out in the crowd and finishes of a 'bleeding' good night.

For starters tonight we saw the second appearance of young acoustic singer LIAM VERNON who plays a six-song set of traditional Irish songs.
With typical Irish wit Liam opens with the announcement that he will sing for as long as he keeps on his stool! After quenching his vocal cords with a couple of pints of cider, he manages not to fall off. A terrific cover of 'Streams of Whiskey' brought some great memories back for me. In fact, all Liam needs is a little more self confidence and belief in himself because he had great potential and natural ability, which is demonstrated in the poignant tribute to his late friend Martin 'The Greed Fields of France'.

Cocky assurance is not a problem or in short supply for support band The Dilinquents, who have Robbie from Scratchplate guesting on drums tonight.
'We all hate you' is (naturally) dedicated to everyone they hate, while all the 'rich bastards' get a right hammering on 'Rotten People'. I also notice that the guitarist has a grolsch bottle top fixed to his shoes - very DIY punk. A good set from a rapidly maturing band.