Lost Alone, Burn in Reason, Exit Avenue.

Bedford Esquires Lev 1. 9th February 2007.

The first 'One For The Underground' of 2007 suffered in no small measure to the inclement weather that has hit the country these last couple of days. In fact, the members of Burn in Reason told of their exploits in travelling to the venue as they slipped and slid along the highways in getting here. First band, EXIT AVENUE, hail from Hitchin, and although collectively they have been together for a couple of years, they have all performed previously under a different guise or two. Their various musical influences vividly shone through in a promising and entertaining set. They effortlessly veered from 80's rock to emo and sprinkled in some electronic 'wizzardry'. Opener 'Sleepless Nights' was a case in point as it had the juicy (jump) riff courtesy of Van Halen. They slipped into Emo gear for 'S is for Summer', which saw some brief pogoing from the band. Although vocalist Neil Barrett tried desperately hard to get some full on crowd participation on 'Wake Up', his request for a shoutback of 'on you' unfortunately fell on deaf ears. While 'Sing It Back Honey' completes the diversity by including a 'Shikari like trance opening which along with the other songs on the Exit Avenue album 'Made For The Arcade', a purchase I made after watching this impressive Esquires debut.

Slightly off the pace this evening were Essex four piece BURN IN REASON, notably featuring amongst their ranks the son of Iron Maiden bassist Steve harris. In fact, Harris Jnr seems at the moment to be the lynchpin of this feedback driven band. Displaying plently of effort, the post hardcore sounds of Die For You Now is the highlight of an at times rather retro Husker Du set.

The appearance of Derby rockers LOST ALONE is a total joy. Not only do this three piece sound good, they look and personify the total rock n roll ethic as they ooze sleaze by the bucketload. Displaying all all out, ballsy, loud and aggressive sound as they embark on an extensive tour of the country. Vacalist Steve Battelle is a jaunty 'in yer face' frontman. Not only does he rely on his raucous voice, his continual stabbing and pointing movement of his index finger is lethal. Bassist Tom Kitchen is a Ramone reincarnated. A tall, lanky beanpole of a figure, low slung guitar, black hair and clothing, phew he's ultra cool! Drummer Mark Gibson drives long with a firm drumbeat, which allied to the kind words from the band comment towards the small crowd, adds up to a fine set. Their forthcoming single 'Elysium' never veers from the trademark Lost Alone thumbprint - Fast And Loud. With the debut album 'Say No More To The World' out on March 12, his rocking trio are worth keeping an eye out for in the pages of Kerrang. The epic number of twists and turns that closing song, Standing On The Ruin of A Beautiful Empire has during it's six minute duration is amazing. Nice people, and a great set.