The Modus Vivendi, Nick Theodore.

Esquires Bedford Lev 1 9th February 2006.

After a gap of a couple of weeks, acoustic sounds returned to Showcase Thursday in the shape of NICK THEODORE, a solo singer-songwriter currently studying at the University of Surrey.

A tall angular lad, casually dressed with his watch casually dangling on his wrist which subsequently annoys him for the first two songs of his set. He dedicates 'Dream Tonight' to his fellow acoustic partner in crime, Craig Currie who along with acoustic magician Pete Ouse are in the audience to give moral support. As the intro to Waste of Time, Nick announces that the James Blunt section is over. Apparently Nick has been, on occasion, described as a mature James Blunt. Probably by someone who either doesn’t like him, or doesn’t like music. This song has a few barbed protest vibes to it, which stays constant with the following song ‘Something is Being Eroded’, which is basically a lyrical rant about stupid people which includes the immortal lines 'Everybody Stands in Line for Free Payouts and all Those Teenage Pregnancies'.

After tackling those issues his next song is called 'If I Were Gay'. With its cheeky innuendo lyrics and plenty of tongue in cheek grins, it was a song to warm the cockles of Mr Tom Robinson. The set is concluded with 'Wicked World' which is the title track from Nick Theodore’s album.

The visitors to our venue tonight were four piece Milton Keynes band THE MODUS VIVENDI who comprise Beanie (bass/vocals), Andi (guitar/vocals), Paul (guitar/vocals) and Sam (drums). The band take their influences from Fugazi and At The Drive In.

From early doors in the set, it became clear that Danny’s Bar was not going to be large enough to accommodate the hyper activities of Beanie, whose stage show veers way out of control as he dodges and weaves around both people and tables like an England rugby forward. Follow up 'Death Row Melvis' opens with Andi’s searing vocals, before Beanie once again adds the mayonnaise to the tuna!

With the elements of a post-hardcore band mixed with ingredients of indie and the spirit and fire of Bad Brains combined with a ‘reggae-ish’ lilt, The Modus Vivendi are already talked about as a Level 2 band here.

'Counterfeit Ire' demonstrates Sam’s driving beat which counteracts with his guitarists to provide a combustible moment, which climaxes with Beanie dropping to the floor and plucking his guitar on his knees!

Bedford College students are thrown a dedication at the start of 'Five Penny Conscience'. However the inevitable accident occurs with the song 'Vacant Union', when Beanie decks his mic stand before he has to effect running repairs to his guitar. The Modus Vivendi end with 'Taste for Neurotic' which epitomises their musical philosophy.