Patchwork Grace, Sirenide, String Theory, Trash Monkey.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 9th May 2008.

SIRENIDE's last visit to this venue saw them musically tear this place apart! Since that appearance, the anticipation of their next gig here has been keenly sought. With a live and unsigned project in the pipeline for next month, the young fans that gather at the front for prime position are ready and waiting. Vocalist Llovonne magnetically draws their attention. This diminutive young lady might take the centre spot, but the other four band members each have their moments to shine. They all exhaustingly work up a terrific sweat. Llovonne comments that she has quit smoking, the fitness campaign is on as she hold of the Bedford public in the palm of her hand. The terrific set of songs that are so familiar to our ears are fantastically performed, as well as new song "Break the Chain". This brings a darker element to complement Sirenide's pop-punk background. It's a direction that guitarist Nikki believes the band are heading for. Maturity is the key for Sirenide, which they show so much of tonight.

Although headlining, PATCHWORK GRACE fall second best to Sirenide. This Nottingham quartet return to Esquires for a third time and are best described as 'Lene Lovich fronting King Adora'! Their sleazy anthems are backed up by the effervescent sweet and sickly, glam punk'n'roll sound. Patchwork Grace always poke us with that big riff stick. The shiny hooks stand out, and the animal theme has it's own corner as the band perform "Zebra" and a cover of "Lovecats"! This is another band at the lifeblood of British music. They might (and their new album is available now) crack the scene, but if they don't there is always a space for their transit in Esquires car park!

Starting proceedings are STRING THEORY, who despite playing on overkill at Esquires at present, do continue to impress. Blues rockers who bely their tender years, it's a cracking set that should send shockwaves through their older peers. They really should take a look at a young band who have an appreciation of all styles of music from the past fifty years, which is all credit to the lads.

TRASH MONKEY disturb me. The sound is good, but in their set tonight, it's a cover by 'ropey' past masters Zodiac Mindwarp that is the highlight of their set. "Prime Mover" galvanizes a motley selection of people to mosh about! Their original material fails to come close.