Henry and the Bleeders, The Dilinquents, The Ramblers, The Verny Lee Band.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 28th December 2007.

It's a packed level 2, and with the festive season in full swing, anticipation is high. The philosophy of the performers on show tonight is drink and be merry! This is certainly emphasised by The VERNY LEE BAND, which is an alter-ego for young acoustic musician Liam Vernon, whose voracious consumption of alcohol on stage this evening is quite staggering! After his usual intro monologue of various heinous crimes that always precede his opening songs, it is with welcome relief that a cover of "Streams of Whisky" is played. With a quick gulp of cider, its back to criminal tales with "Back Home in Derry" which induces an almighty cheer from an enraptured audience, who by now are totally hooked by this musical storyteller! After dropping his plectrum, Liam regains his composure for a version of Flogging Molly's "Closed Doors". It's a risky try, but it seems to come off. With a few more mouthfuls of 'apple juice', the Ewan McColl penned "Dirty ol' Town" is quickly followed by "Blackvelvet Band". After all this 'oirishness' Liam turns all cockney as he gives us an acoustic slant on Cock Sparrers "England Belongs To Me". As Liam finally staggers from the stage at his close, the applause is long and deafening.

Continuing the evenings drinking culture are THE RAMBLERS from Flitwick, who begin with their own quite unique version of the sixties hit "Hippy Hippy Shake". No doubt refreshed by a few drinks beforehand, their performance is at times wildly erratic, but in the context of the evening it's totally addictive, especially on "That Woman's got me Drinking". The serious side of the band is shown on "Sleep Sweetly", while an accordion accompaniment on "Tonight" is admirable. The whirligig finale of "Down the Pub" offers a rousing crescendo to The Ramblers' set.

The mass of swaying bodies that stagger maniacally around the mosh pit bore sweaty testament to the appeal on the local scene of THE DILINQUENTS. Even more so when the crowd are urged to join in the chorus for one of the songs. Thankfully it's not too difficult or demanding to sing back "nah, nah, nah, nah"!! With stylish scruffiness, snarling guitars and frenetic drumming, it's a taut, punchy and electrifying thirty minutes.

HENRY AND THE BLEEDERS have had quite a year on the psychobilly scene. Earning and gaining much respect on that musical genre, highlighted a few weeks ago by supporting the legendary Guanabatz at Dingwalls. The Bleeders, however, always respect Esquires and tonight is no exception. With a great version of "Come Back" duly followed by "Hangover Blues", complete with a dash of brass, it sums up perfectly how everybody here tonight will be feeling tomorrow morning! Frontman 'Henry' is also on top form as he urges a slightly tiring audience to liven up. "I've seen more aggression in a kindergarten!" he angrily shouts out.

He is, no doubt, in a bad mood as he tells us the sad story of writing off his motor a few months ago. The song dedicated to it is called "Volkswagen Boogie". While on the christmas song we are introduced to the fifth Bleeder, Ritchie on harmonica.

Christmas has been well and truly celebrated tonight.