Neon Zoo, Turncoat, Names for Enemies, Jess Mason-Wilkes.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 7th October 2005.

Although there was another disappointing turnout at Esquires tonight, there was a diverse and eclectic mix of music on display tonight.

The wonderfully talented JESS MASON-WILKES got things underway. Armed only with a guitar and no backing band (except for a little bit of audience participation on 'Boy Oh Boy'!), she gave a thoroughly entertaining performance.
Whenever I see Jess perform an acoustic set, I am reminded of a gig I was taken to in 1989 to see an American female singer-songwriter called Nanci Griffith (my lady friend of the evening was not into 'alternative' music!), so watching Jess sing 'Better than that' and 'Frustrated' evoked some bittersweet memories.

Following Jess were two lads called NAMES FOR ENEMIES, an acoustic band from Bedford / Huntingdon who have only been playing for a few weeks. Taking inspiration from good poetry and long walks, they had some particularly interesting song titles, such as 'I Think it's Great That You're so Liberated' and 'Tell me About the Plans You're Making'. A soothing and enjoyable set.

TURNCOAT are an unfeasibly energetic Brighton five piece who formed over ten years ago at school to avoid...well, school! Like five proto Matt Bellamys, Turncoat have more than a little touch of Muse about them, but they also have a melodic and plaintive turn of phrase and the synths of a New Romantic act. They produced a tuneful set which showed some real originality.

Last Act NEON ZOO were seventies disco camp coupled with eighties Depeche Mode. I am sure this band would do very well in the gay pubs and clubs but for me the best bits were when the cascading smoke entirely engulfed the band every few minutes!