Little Joe Zero, My Coma, Symbo, Diminishing Syndicate.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 Friday 28th April 2006.

Hairgel presented a rock and punk show here tonight which opens with Bedford's DIMINISHING SYNDICATE who bring with them a small following of loyal fans. With a good mixture of songs and an increased feeling of confidence it was a most competent performance. Vocalist Ben Ingell is very much at the forefront of the band but his is in turn given terrific support by Rob (bass) and Patrick (drums). In fact, so charged up their hero's efforts tonight, their fans click their cigarette lighters and hoist them in the air during 'Go and Find Him'. With minimal mindless chat between songs, Diminishing Syndicate did no harm to their growing reputation.

undoubted stars of the evening are the next band SYMBO. With front man Del a very sharp dressed man in his dark attire of shirt, pressed trouser and tie - the biz! Fellow bandmates Aaron, Andy and Booze (well, he is the drummer), Symbo open with 'Song With No Lyrics' and for me it is their best song and they put so much passion into their performance. 'Dreams' is the real clincher for the crowd as they move and groove. In fact, Symbo have managed in four minutes to totally transform the crowds demeanour and they are now a jumping frenzy of bodies. With his beloved shiny guitar Del leads the band through their set with the confidence they have obviously gained from their successful forays into various band competitions.

Northampton hard rock band MY COMA do their best to keep me out of that condition. Led by folically challenged (ie, very bald) Vim Reynolds this five piece are the heaviest sound of the evening and they make a decent impression without every fully keeping my attention. I watch them and I find that something is crucially missing. However, with 'Last of the Money Makers' and 'Sanctuary' there is a foothold of substance that can be built upon.

Headlining tonight are LITTLE JOE ZERO, three lads Olly (guitar / vocals), Chris (bass / vocals) and Chaz (drums / vocals) who are a punk band in the Green Day mould and have travelled up from their hometown of Braintree, Essex. This is a fast and furious assault as they blast out ten songs in little over half an hour. It's quick fire, sharp as a tack, a style that endears them to the crowd. 'Factory People' is delivered so crisply, 'Repeat' excels and 'Down We Go' is a new song that is smartly presented. The finale 'Forget About It' raises a terrific ovation from a small but keen crowd.