Fifth Quarter / Pandemonium / The Zipper / Men of Unitus.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 5th March 2005.

A late cancellation by headline band 'Kill Kenada' was a major disappointment to the majority of the crowd at Esquires on Saturday night, but their absence allowed a new young band called 'FIFTH QUARTER' to open proceedings. I had not seen them before but they put in a very assured performance. The very beginning of their first song 'So Excited / Hideaway' boded well and this standard was maintained throughout their 7 song set, closing with a cover of the Cream classic 'Crossroads'.

Hard working Esquires regulars 'PANDEMONIUM' followed, who always come across as a very ambitious and focused band. Stand out songs on the night included 'Real Life (Sorry)' and 'Just Be'.

The third band of the night were 'THE ZIPPER'. Before their set I managed to ask the band what their aims were, to which they replied 'Sweat, Fists, Fear, Death, Answers, Thrills, Money, Rabbit Noses (?), Blood, Noise, Hate, Love, Drink and Veganism'. What a great reply I thought (although I don't think Veganism is a word!).

As usual Zipper put on a strong and potent performance. The question I always ask myself is how does a 3 piece manage to rock the venue like these boys do? Good vocals, good songs performed with real force and power.

In the absence of Kill Kenada the headline band tonight were the one and only 'The MEN OF UNITUS'. Comprising of ex-members of Sleeper, The Bluetones, Menswear, Supergrass and Echobelly (can we check this? Ed.) Paul, the voice of Unitus, informed me over a pre-gig drink that 'The Men of Unitus play Bedford Esquires due to the British Pop legacy of Britpop'. Paul is a charismatic and hypnotic front men and The Men of Unitus put on a strong and solid set. Although they are very tight musically it is their visual stage presence which sets The Men of Unitus apart from other local bands.





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