Imperial Vipers, Robbie Miller.

Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. 4th April 2008.

With hip-hop rapper Akala keeping fans of that musical genre happy on level 2, it was in Danny's Bar that the deep down dirty grass roots of music was being explored by this reviewer.

All clad in black, THE IMPERIAL VIPERS are quite a coup for this intimate part of the venue. The Dunstable quintet include Ash (lead vocals), Andy (bass), Corky (rhythm guitar), Scott (drums) and Nevs (lead guitar). They appear to be instantly at home as they launch into their opener "Jewels". It's a gob-smacking starter which instantly draws everyones attention in a busy bar. "Check This" sees Scott beating his skins dementedly, while the constant chorus of "She Loves the Bad Boys" echoes fiercely throughout.

After openly revelling in the glory of last nights sell-out London gig, the lean and lanky charismatic frontman Ash tells Bedford "You have a lot to live up to!". The nodding sages of the Dunstable followers agree, but as we all know, Friday nights in "the bar" can be quite special, especially when the band works hard, which The Imperial Vipers certainly do.

"Into Forever" is a reflective song that the lads dedicate to a close friend of theirs who passed away a few years ago. Due respect is given. Of the set tonight, "The Sickness" is my favourite. It has everything, an abundance of power and emotion, as it tells of the nations ills. The story of the state's problems told through a ordinary person's eyes. At it's conclusion, Ash drops to his knees pleading for peace and a better society. With Black Cherry also playing upstairs, the band give them a shout out as they perform the almost garage punk sounds of "Mercury Rising". Yes, this is thirty degree centigrade rock! As the 'Vipers' reach their last song "All I Ever", they make some very complimentary comments about us and in the words of the following song "All I ever wanted was to be your friend". With shouts for an encore upheld, The Imperial Vipers sign off with a couple of covers, of which "Search and Destroy" goes down a storm with the crowd.

Support comes from that immensely versatile young musician ROBBIE "KILLER" MILLER, who showcases songs from his recently released new album "Killer Instinct". Of course he always likes to liberally sprinkle in a few covers, including a nod to Alice. But then Robbie is always 'a nice guy'! Of his own material a couple impressed, the Bon Jovi influenced "Tell Me Do Ya", and the Lou Reed-ish "I'm Not Helping Anymore". To see pictures of tonight's gig, please go to www.noizefront.net as Emily of that website was snapping away.