Howard's Alias, The So-Called, Self-Inflicted.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 6th October 2005.

A meagre crowd marred what was an excellent line up of bands tonight.

Opening are SELF-INFLICTED. Based in Cambridge, they have recently supported The Suffrajets and cites their influences as Metallica and Pantera. However, there is a haunting goth-like look and sound to their live show, something like Evannessence crossed with Juliette and the Licks! They play a splendidly euphonic set with the songs 'Porcelain' and 'No Sacrifice' particularly standing out.

THE SO-CALLED are a four piece grunge outfit who put plenty of passion and energy into an entertaining set. The songs that close their set, 'Ride with Me' and 'Glue Shape Phrase', although lacking originality, are both melodic and engaging.

Headlining are HOWARD'S ALIAS, who are playing their last gigs before embarking on an 'indefinite hiatus' (ie, they are splitting up at the end of the month!). Having broken down on their way to the gig en route from their hometown of Southampton, they play a sparkling and fun-filled set.
Having seem them play here in July 2003, it was great to see them back a final time. As well as playing all the old and new stuff from their three albums, the boys were thrown a new song to play at the request of a member of the audience - namely the theme tune from 'Postman Pat' (...and his black and white cat)! The boys nailed it with broad smiles all around! On a roll, they follow with a rendition of the theme tune from 'Nightrider'! It was just a shame that more people didn't witness the final embers of Howard's Alias - Ska Punk legends!!