No Hope in New Jersey, The Kites, Arconna, Drift.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 16th September 2005.

REVIEW ONE BY MARTIN STAPLETON

Having spent an enjoyable day out by the sea in Brighton, I arrived at the venue anticipating a fine evening's entertainment. Although I was slightly disappointed with the turnout, after my previous rants I was pleased to note that most punters stayed to support all four bands tonight!

These are exciting times for tonight's Promoters, Hairgel. Not only have they put on some excellent bands already, they have some real blockbusting names lined up for the future. The emphasis tonight was rock with a hard and tough veneer.

DRIFT made their second appearance of the year and gave a compelling performance. This local band were solid and competent and songs such as 'Silent Sentences', 'See it my Way' and 'one Who Lost' made for an enjoyable set.

Following them were Peterborough's ARCONNA. I can't recall seeing this band before but I was suitably impressed with their set. Opening with 'Back to Square One', they kept everyone enthralled before finishing strongly with 'Etch my Shape' and 'Under Lowlight', which both feature on their excellent mini-album entitled 'Hurt Like a Paper Aeroplane in my Side'.

And so to the next band THE KITES, who I must admit did not impress me the last time they played the venue (you didn't have to deal with the e-mails from their disgruntled fans! - Esquires Editor). Tonight however I have to hold my hands up and admit they did get my foot tapping! Their set was polished and professional and this three piece blasted their way through a seven song set that won me over (Phew! Ed).

Headlining tonight were a band that surely must be destined for loftier heights. Hailing from Manchester, NO HOPE IN NEW JERSEY opened their set with their superb single 'Decline'. Oozing both class and confidence, songs like 'Waste', 'Regret' and 'Invaders' pummelled the heads of the small but enthusiastic crowd! Look out for them in bigger venues very soon!

REVIEW TWO BY STEPH NYMAN

THE KITES were the main reason for me coming to this gig, and I posted my first review on here following their show earlier this year in June. They burst open their set with the same opener as last time, which I now know is called 'Start Chopping'! This tune is a real slap in the face and you could see that the crowd 'woke up' as soon as the intro riff started.
The songs throughout the set continued to captivate the crowds attention, a perfect mix of upbeat, retro rock, insanely catchy riffs and their own re-worked version of Kate Bush's 'Wuthering Heights' was worth the entry fee alone!! I also caught them play at Bedford's Rose festival on a blisteringly hot Sunday afternoon where they powered through two killer covers of Cream's Sunshine of Your Love' and Hendrix's 'Purple Haze' - with Zeppelin style drumming mixed with Cream style guitars and singing!
One important factor I notice with The Kites is their appearance of being comfortable on the stage. They don't just stand there, play and mumble into the microphone looking as if they are bored. They get on with it looking as if they as having a great time and banter with the crowd and the energy stayed lifted from start to finish, even between the songs!
F A N T A S T I C ! .... hoping they are back real soon!!!!

Topping the bill and hot off the stage from V Festival (which I attended but didn't see them there - sorry!) were NO HOPE IN NEW JERSEY. Some REAL nice guitar sounds here, good fat and dirty! I had a quick look on their website before to see that they are signed to Atlantic Records!!! With two guitars, bass and drums they belted out some real power and also some tasty vocal melodies too.
As good as they were (and excellently played), the set / tunes were a little bit 'samey' for my tastes - there was very little variation in the tempo, style and sound which lowered my attention. The big point I mentioned about The Kites (stage appearance / presence) was not evident here with No Hope in New Jersey - they looked to be bored and just stood their belting on their guitars. Just did not have the energy. I have watched some bands who were ok, but put lots of energy and life into the show, and this really makes up for any lack of playing ability. I'm not taking anything away from their ability to play as they most definately could - just a bit let down by samey tunes and a bored appearance.