Joan of Arc, Stranger.

Esquires Bedford Lev 1 Sunday 2nd April 2006.

Isn't is nice to witness a little gem of a gig? The thrill of the unexpected? Well, it certainly happened to me this afternoon.

After witnessing three top gigs on Level 2 in the past three days, Danny's Bar on a Sunday afternoon is usually the place to unwind and witness some restful but stimulating bluesy sounds with a couple of glasses of red wine. Today I still have the wine but the music is pure Saturday night as the mighty all-female three piece JOAN OF ARC absolutely blow me away with a blistering pop-punk / metal set of tunes. Hailing from London, this is not just another 'girls with guitars' band as they cranked up the volume on a normally lazy Sunday, Comprising Shelly Walker (lead guitar / vocals), Samantha Walker (lead vocals / bass) and Debbie Wildish (drums), they opened up with the appropriately titled 'This Way' and the pace doesn't relent for the following six songs.
The vocals more than match the wild screams of the guitars and explosive drum beats, none more so than 'Kids Wanna Rock'. The electrifying 'Flying Free' almost blisters the paint of the walls as it generates so much heat and intensity. Their final song 'Live Rock'n'Roll' simply puts the icing on a most excellent cake.

Preceding Joan of Arc were perennial Esquires favourites STRANGER, who today welcomed a new addition making his live debut with the band, drummer Matt. With little rehearsal time under their belts there was going to be inevitable teething problems but their sound is certainly beefed up by their new man. They even try out three new songs for us, 'Change', 'Hey' and 'Shut Up' which I am sure will form an integral part of their set as familiar tunes such as 'Frustrated'. 'Boy oh Boy' and the lovely 'In My Room' have done over the past year or so.
Credit must go to Jess who, along with Pete, organised such a magnificent afternoon which finished off four fine days of live much nicely.