Locus of Control, Son of a Gun, None is the Number.

Esquires Bedford Lev 1. Thursday 25th May 2006.

Showcase Thursday opens with NONE IS THE NUMBER, a band that at the peak of their powers (which for me is during their opening song 'No Lies) could be described as Ash meets Motorhead. They feature a frontman who gently caresses the vocals but is back by a gargantuan rhythm section of power, velocity and immense speed. Their performance is captured on film as keen friends and family snap away with their cameras as well and providing rather loud support. 'Take my Time' keeps the tempo rising until next track 'Comedown' does just that, a little lighter ('If Anyone likes Lighter songs' the band joke!)
'Automatic' is a song that the boys played in a previous band but it is given a good airing tonight! A short and very sweet 15 minute set of 5 songs ends with 'Medication' - None is the Number are a band surely set for the loftier heights of Level 2.

After the standards set by the previous band, watching an England 'B' team lose a friendly football match is infinitely more exciting than witnessing Milton Keynes act SON OF A GUN perform an overblown and hugely pretentious set of mock Guns'n'Roses tunes that I find both repetitive and tiresome.

Welsh band 'LOCUS OF CONTROL' are on their final tour before they wrap things up, say their goodbyes and head for projects new. Make no mistake, the boys have come to party - big time! Comprising Pete (vocals), Matthew (guitar), James (bass) and Rhodri (drums), their infectious brand of hard driven rock hits the mark although we only get a tiny slice of their material. A pity, but it does allow the band more drinking time! 'Bromide' and 'Whiskey Trail' are powerful songs and testament to a good bunch of lads performing a set that I will remember for the right and wrong reasons!
After the gig Locus of Control are driving down to Bideford tomorrow, after appearing in Leeds last night. The Pullen brothers Matt and James admit this tour has been a lot of fun, but that they have experienced a lot of problems with the Police, so much so that they feel they are being victimised. A story that no doubt rings true with a lot of bands who journey up and down the country in battered old transit vans. God bless 'em!