Look See Proof, The Runners, Model Horroe, Chris Phillips.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2. 26th May. 2007.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton/ Pictures by Liam Scarlino (www.liamscarlinoonline.com)

The evening opens with Hitchin's CHRIS PHILLIPS, a young man making his Esquires debut tonight with a little help from his mates Ben Bray and Dan Christian. It was a pleasing performance, marred slightly by a bit too much chat between songs. The set had a laid back funky vibe which brought to mind the sound of The Fun Lovin' Criminals, especially 'Word on the Street'. Chris was certainly dressed for the occasion, resplendent in a natty waistcoat ("like a Groom" he wryly remarks). 'Get Educated' is a song that liberally uses plenty of keys and the indie-funksters bow out with 'We Got Soul' - an apt finale.

Another new band at Level 2 are fellows Herts boys MODEL HORROR, who comprise of Ian Carter (vocals, guitar), Rob Hardy (vocals, guitar), Dan Bowles (bass), Johnny Flynn (keyboards) and Sim Smith (drums). After a fairly mediocre start with 'Long Way to Go', this band really exploded with 'We Are Here' - clearly the indie-dance renaissance has another addition to it's growing club. New song 'Paint it Black' followed in a similar vein. A smattering of feedback at the end of 'Stand Still' fails to mar a most promising set which reached it's zenith at the close of 'Psycho Ranger' during which the band indulge in some minor stage anarchy!

Two relatively established Esquires bands, namely The Runners and Look See Proof, then followed.

First THE RUNNERS, who are fresh from successfully winning The Red Stripe National New Bands Competition. This should offer them some fresh opportunities and as per usual their set tonight is exemplary. Looking distinctive in his trilby, their vocalist oozes cool, although it is discarded after just a couple of songs. The moddish 'Having Fun' opens while the popular 'You Want It' it performed with a cool air of perfection. 'Get in Line' and the sublime 'All Over Again' just enforce the feeling that the sweet smell of success is in the air for The Runners and I for one hope they achieve it.




LOOK SEE PROOF are fast becoming a local phenomenon, especially with the news that they are to open The John Peel Stage at this years Glastonbury Festival. To see them pre-gig sill excitedly looking forward to be playing in front of their local fans is to be commended and they have a photographer capturing every shot, even from above the stage and risking life and limb in the process.





From their set I particularly enjoyed 'You Don't Get It' which has all the hallmarks of a Look See Proof song - bouncy, catchy hooks and an instantly singalongable chorus. The huge rapport between band and fans is epitomised when one such punter unleashes his full pint at the Sells brothers. "What a waste of beer" I ponder, but their is no mistaking the high spirits on the youngsters part. When Look See Proof perform 'Here and Now' the most pit is awash with flailing arms and legs and is not a place for the meek and timid.