British Heart Foundation Fundraiser - Drop The Holiday Theme, Bent Like Bob, Stranger, Delicate Children.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 24th March 2005.

A great evening out with some of Bedford's youngest and newest talent on display.

First up was "DROP THE HOLIDAY THEME" who turned in an excellent set of punkyish rock which got everyone jumping from the start. Their singer/guitarist frontman in particular wasn't going to take no for an answer and did a good job getting the evening going with some energy. Very tight, good songs and I'd definitely go and see them again if they let older geysers like me in!

Second on were local boys "BENT LIKE BOB" paying their first visit on the upstairs stage. This is the best I've seen them and they come across much more commanding on the bigger stage. Opening with "Bulls on Parade" their only cover of the evening, they went on to create absolute mayhem in the pit with an onslaught of their own self-written 3 minute high energy rock/punk numbers. They only slowed down slightly for the excellent "Prologue to Hell" and finished with what seems to be a crowd favourite "Cracks in the Wood". Very positive, very high-energy and really enjoying themselves.

A complete change of pace and approach next with "STRANGER", a three-piece who had only been three for about 16 hours with the drummer having joined the day before. Now that's rock 'n roll! Fronted by a female singer/guitarist/songwriter with a tight rythmn section of bass and drums completing the trio I was well impressed by these guys. Some of the songs were quality with great hook lines and were delivered with excellent musicianship and feel. Much softer and a total contrast to the first two acts they were well good and I'd like to see them again too.

Headliners "DELICATE CHILDREN" topped off the evening with their own brand of metal, again a complete contrast to what had gone before. They were certainly the most accomplished musicians of the evening and have a real good set of songs there. Best not ask what happened to the guard-rail along the front of the stage though! I'm sure it'll turn up somewhere.

All in all a real good evening out with some contrasting musical styles on the same bill. The one common factor is that all these bands can play and all will I hope, go further. Who says that only the big cities can turn out the best talent? Give Bedfordshire a chance and we can show anyone!