London, Noise Agents, Dun 2 Def, Reptilehause.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 13th March 2010.

Upbeat Promotions take a bow. These old skool evenings invariably get extremely messy. Put simply, it's a chance for all attendees to enjoy the music and, above all, to be totally pissed 'n' proud. Our headliners are LONDON. A first generation punk band who, like so many of their peers, have reformed and are embarking on recapturing their youth. Original members Riff Regan (vocals) and Stevie Voice (bass) have recruited Hugh O'Donnell (guitar) and Colin Watterson (drums) to relight the London flame. After splitting in 1978, they decided in 2008 that the time was ripe for a comeback. As they settle themselves on stage, Riff asks us quite pointedly to "see if you like it".

Although they were only together for a couple of years in their heyday, they were a breeding ground for a couple of musicians who found fame in later pop bands. Former drummer Jon Moss went to Culture Club and London were produced and managed by noted manager Simon Napier-Bell. With this in mind the band have a sharp riposte for Simon Cowell and are quite vehement in their criticism of him. "Swinging London" appears to be a favourite with the rapidly growing crowd. They may portray themselves as rough, tough and slightly menacing, but they appreciate the irony of their genre as they ask everyone "Hands up who likes this singalong punky stuff?". "Handcuffed" is uncompromising in its intensity, although Regan smiles as he recounts that when they were regrouping many thought that they were going to be a folk acoustic act! The set also includes "When the Night Falls" and a cover of "Friday on my Mind". Certainly one for the 'wrinkly old uns'!

Support is strong. In fact, it's an evening when nobody messes around with the natural distracting punk features commonly known as subtlety and melody. They prefer to rely on those other trusty twin peaks, namely ground shaking old skool riffola and an irrepressible volume. A welcome addition to the bill are NOISE AGENTS. From Somerset, they are in the area and Upbeat takes the opportunity to give them their Bedford Esquires debut. They seem to enjoy the experience. Comprising Marcus Harley (drums), Liam O'Connell (guitar), Baz Clark (bass) and Andy K (vocals), they take their West Country heritage to heart by constantly yelling the ad mans dream shout of "Green army! Green Army!". They garner praise, especially on "Live for Today" which, appropriately for the day, they announce as their "song for Europe"!

DUN 2 DEF are old favourites at Esquires and though the line-up has certainly changed over the years, the old skool sound is still there. Charismatic frontman Ferret leads his renegade bunch through some urgent and catchy tunes. Fast, often humourous and always socially conscious, they aren't bettered when "Don't give up the Rifle" and "Bargain Booze" make an appearance.

Bringing some good support with them are REPTILEHAUSE. The frontman may be familiar to any eagle-eyed punk fans in attendance. He's called Kip and back in the eighties was vocalist for The Vibrators for a couple of years. The remarkable thing about their appearance tonight is that this new line-up has only been together for two weeks. Bearing this in mind, it's fairly early to judge. Excluding some raw choppy tuneage, I feel (when more established) that they would benefit from attacking the songs with a little more fire in their belly.