New Groove Formation, Rate of the Day, The Beaslie Gang, The Culture.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 29th December 2006.

Well, the Christmas festivities are over, and what better way of working off all that excess weight than a little skankin' to the marvellous sounds of NEW GROOVE FORMATION. An eight piece (or is that nine?) ensemble of various instruments and musicians, 'Serious' is a cracking opener, then 'Always' strikes up. This is where NGF are in their ska-reggae prime. The Rebel MC tribute follows, and I'm not alone in picking this as a particular favourite, as during the song the crowd moves into serious party mode. It seems incredible that so many various instruments can make such a joyous sound and that the stage can take such a number. The two vocalists via for spaces as the rest of the band dodge and weave where they can.

As the sound of the two-tone influenced 'Human Race' filters away, eyes and ears become fixated with one gentleman in particular. Readers, I give you the didgeridoo song, 'Didge'. The sound hums and mutates around the old venue. Its eerie tone is seldom heard but warmly received by an enchanted and spellbound audience. By this time NGF have the audience in their grasp, the party is in full swing, as music gives everybody the chance to tickle their larynx, as the vocalist shouts out menacingly 'let's hear you!'.

He means it as well. With little time for a breather, 'International Waste of Space' is a tried and trusted dancing favourite. It's only during 'Once In A While' that we are afforded a time out in a moment of reflection, New Groove 'Take us Right The Way Down'. With one last chance to dance, final song 'Bedford Street' gets everyone up for the conclusion to this vastly enjoyable set. As New Groove Formation inform us before shuffling off, 'This has been 2006!'.

To the collective, we look forward with anticipation to renewing our party spirit in 2007!

Support tonight came from THE CULTURE, RATE OF THE DAY, and most impressively, THE BEASLIE GANG. A young Flitwick band who buck the local trend for metal. With a dearth of young indie bands in the Bedford area, it was nice to see a band play some good solid tunes, plus show that they were actually enjoying the experience, no mindless chat, and a great song in 'So You Know'.