Jynxt, Rogue Radio, Floors and Walls, Gun Crime.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 7th March 2009.

This evening Esquires welcomed back some old friends of the venue as London band JYNXT return to renew old acquaintances, mainly due to their wide eyed rapping MC Blaine. All eyes used to focus on his escapades. However, tonight fellow singer and founder member Tally certainly takes all the delightful gasps as she unveils her sexy costume. Perhaps to be more accurate, I should say lack of it! Totally stunning though. Once again, apathetic Bedford has declined to witness a visit from one of the most energising live bands in London at the moment.

There is, of course, a fascination behind the creation of Jynxt. The famous progenies who make up the bulk of the band have certainly lived a full and interesting young life. I'm sure it has had an effect on the lyrical and musical output. Their first offering is the meaty rock'n'roller "Pete Doherty". The fine travelling support that Jynxt have brought with them shout with delight when old favourite "Quantum Jump" is announced. The sampled intro, which is evident on so many of their songs, works in perfectly. Just when everyone locally based (and there are very few) had thought that Blaine had gone all mellow in his old age, the maniac resurfaced on "Lies". After a quick and studious gurn (!) he dementedly screams "Lies" equally in unison with Tally. The loud crescendo at its finish top off this amazing tune. Order is somewhat restored as their brand new offering "HMK II" is brought to us. The repeating chorus of "getting away with it" is so very catchy.

With the set suitably enjoyed, temperature is reaching boiling point for the band. What they naturally need is some "Cool Breeze". For me, this song emanates from the genes of the Jynxt family, with lush bluesy undercurrents filtering through. Possibly the heaviest song they offer is "Take this Pain Away". A full on metal slant and a guitar lovers tune. Jynxt then play their new single "Middle of your Dreams", while the electro-rocker "Tea for Two" sees the band go totally wild on stage, with the punky "I'm Not Me" closing the evening. There is just enough time for "Did You Forget?", an encore that is due reward for the Jynxt followers who travelled many miles to be here tonight.

Support began with Hitchin duo GUN CRIME. They feature Luke (drums, vocals) and Ty (guitar, vocals). Loosely, I would describe them as a Winnebago Deal clone, but with the added nuance of jazz and funk elements. When it's needed, as on "3 over 4" or "Manifesto B", the boys certainly go brutal. Set up at the front of the stage, they are a most interesting aural pair. There are few local bands of this particular ilk which always makes for maximum interest.

Young Brighton quartet FLOORS AND WALLS are blessed with a massive amount of confidence. None more so than their effervescent vocalist whose total 'in yer face' attitude drives the band forward. NME recently described the band as Iglu And Hartly meets Mike Skinner! Well, on this performance I would certainly endorse that opinion. Again bringing keen support, this band certainly seemed to revel in the unique Esquires atmosphere. "Tracy" seems to be the fans' favourite although, for a set I enjoyed the longer it went on, I found their brand new composition "Ashtray Sally" the best.

It would, I feel, be unfair of me to review ROGUE RADIO's performance this evening as they are hampered by the loss of their DJ who has been laid low by a bout of food poisoning. The lads' response is a spirited shout of 'the show must go on', especially today we lost "Ultrasonic flow" from the gig. Commendably the quartet coped well in their bandmate's absence. Still on a high perhaps from their Dublin Castle gig a couple of days earlier. "Lady Luck" is an inspired or ironic choice tonight.