Miksha, The Scare, Nudging Frankie, Carnal, Stranger.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 16th June 2006.

Tonight's gig was organised by the Bedford Metal Website as a pre 'Bed-Rock' festival warm up. Esquires has always had an healthy relationship working relationship with them, going back to their early days when founder 'Russian Pete' almost single-handedly kept metal alive in this town. Since then, the reins have been taken up by Keith and Mike.
As part of this diverse evening STRANGER open with their usual array of catchy tunes and although playing in front of a much younger audience than they are used to, they seem to go down well.

What follows is more in keeping with Bedford Metal's roots. They are a three piece chillingly titled CARNAL and featuring the not-so-chillingly named Jeffrey (Anglians, Ex-Blackout), Rich (Helmithian, Dilinquents) and George (he of The Doors!). Bedford's only Death Metal band and hoping to inspire more. It is fierce and heavy and those of a nervous disposition should be wary. 'Toten Regiment' is their first song and vocalist George excels with his deep and gruff sounds. The three combine to keep the darkness throughout their set, none more so than the touch of Rammstein they exhibit on 'Ich Habe Kein Gott'.

A drum solo entrance welcome in NUDGING FRANKIE, a band that I fund just annoying. A front man who instead of building up the Bed-Rock Festival just suggests everyone should go to Hyde Park tomorrow. The end can't come quick enough.

From the East Coast of Australia are the aptly name THE SCARE who play up to their bad boy image perfectly. They are a scrappy but spirited post punk outfit who borrow heavily from Barat and Doherty. Front man Kiss Reid generally behaves like a powder-keg ready to explode at any minute and during the set he takes aim at the crowd and dowses them all with water. Playing a few songs from their new EP 'The Vacuum Irony', most notably the coarse and aggressive 'Cry Junkie' and the out of control speed freak anthem 'Irony'. A cry of 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie' from me to these boys.

A warm welcome back to out special friends from Norway, MIKSHA, who are currently on a short holiday from their Scandinavian homeland, enjoying the Download Festival and entertaining Bedford. A rock / metal band whose use of electronic wizardry makes them an unique act. With Kims heavy booming drumming, and Fritz's powerful screaming this four piece make for a performance of unparalleled magnitude.
'Beautiful War' is a stunning opener and 'Locomotiv' is a masterpiece of contrasting sounds. A band of enormous talent that we are lucky to witness.