Kill The Arcade, Broadcast, Saving Aimme, Exit Avenue, We Are The Ocean.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 5th October 2007.

With the Level 2 doors not opening until almost 8.40pm and this on an 8pm start, the idea of promoting five bands was always going to be pushing the time-limits to a stretch. Thankfully enough of the young fans who turned up stayed around to witness Play It Loud's headline band KILL THE ARCADE. However, I found these lads the least exciting of the evening's entertainment which, apart from a song that paid homage to Ghostbusters, was a bit tepid.

Of the four bands that preceded them, the undoubted stars were THE BROADCAST, who once again combined a confident demeanour with some top-notch tunes. This synth-driven outfit decided to give "Operation" an airing, which they informed us had not been on their playlist for some time. Their myspace anthem "John Hopkins" seems to be developing a cult status for their small army of fans who congregate close to the stage, as it develops a sing-along response. While "We are historians" rounds the set off in style. Hopefully their forthcoming gig in Cambridge is also well received, as they continue to impress here.

The name WE ARE THE OCEAN might have confused some Sunday afternoon regulars, but these are no old codgers. They are a vibrant young five piece from the London/Essex area. Immediately their vocalist announces at the start "Let's kick up a fuss!". As with all bands appearing tonight, WATO look and lyrically produce all things emo, but they have the benefit of some infectious 'dancey' tunes that practically demand the crowd to "Get the groove on"! Despite their final song having the title "Nothing Good Has Happened", I beg to disagree.

Returning to Esquires are EXIT AVENUE who are promoting the launch of their new EP. I found the comments of their vocalist a little disparaging, as he sneeringly shouts at the audience "I've seen more movement at a morgue!" at the end of opener "Gotta Get Out". Son, it takes two to tango! The action does liven up with "Huntingdon Drive" with full-on audience participation; the punters shouting "I do" to every Exit Avenue prompt. For me the the pick of the bunch is "Sweet 16" which is a nugget of 'electro-emo'.

Having their set drastically shortened did not deter SAVING AIMEE. These synth-pop rockers who travelled from Hertfordshire were allowed only four songs. The party-on tune "High Fives All Round" was enthusiastically played and received in equal measure.