Leaden, Self-Inflicted, The Off-Position.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 2nd May 2006.

Showcase Thursday this week featured three rock and metal bands.

Although they were late getting here due to delays on the motorway, thankfully THE OFF-POSITION eventually made it all the way from the posh leafy suburbs of Surrey. The wait was certainly worth it as these hardcore metallers seemed to bring with them every conceivable facet of sound which has an effect not unlike being sonically stoned to death! The delivery of the vocals, especially during opening song 'Kin' (an older penned song, written some 12 months previously) is quite simply ear-drum shattering. This five piece throughout their set play with maximum power but they do stop to have a chat with us about having aspirations to win the lottery prior to their new song 'Workshy'. This track concludes this most bruising of assaults on our senses. I'm sure the big stage of Level 2 beckons for The Off-Position.

It was a most welcome back to Esquires for the Cambridge based band SELF-INFLICTED. Having seen them play in October 2005, it was great to learn that the band seem to be going from strength to strength with regular gigs in their home tome. They have also been busy recording a four-track demo. With the haunting and hypnotic presence of vocalist Heidi at the forefront of the band, her vocal pitch fluctuates and fragments into so many different spheres of the rock range. She sometimes appears to be in a self-induced trance as her willowy dance leads her fellow band members to bring a high degree of power and purpose to their playing. This combination is fully demonstrated on the track 'Porcelain' and during 'Obsolete' Heidi collapses to her knees as it begging or pleading. It all adds to the dramatic empathy of the song. The deep bass into for penultimate song 'Voodoo Conspiracy' is also perfect for a song full of atmospheric suspense.

LEADEN (dictionary definition - Sluggish!) are playing their first gig here. Comprising Will Wright (guitar / vocals), Tom Cope (guitar), Aaron Majors (bass) and Rory Hughes (drums) their bran of music could be easily described as heavily influenced by the mighty sounds of Metallica. Opening tune 'Trip' starts off to an almost meandering jam session before the band suddenly explode into life courtesy of Will emotive filled vocals and one hell of a sound to match. 'Our destiny' begins with a frenzied drum solo courtesy of young Rory who cuts an unmistakable figure with his shock of long ginger hair. His superior drumming skills are totally spellbinding, infact I seem to spend most of The Leaden's set watching this talented performer doing his stuff. 'I Am My Own' is fast and furious and ends the evening tonight - Leaden: most certainly not sluggish!