Pearl Handled Revolver, Baedeker, The Rumor, Mandala.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 16th April 2010.

Not only were PEARL HANDLED REVOLVER headlining tonight, but they were instrumental in bringing us a projector display that virtually transformed Level 2 into the kaleidoscope disco of downstairs. Wave upon wave of psychedelic lighting patterns cascade over the walls and floor of the room. Indeed, when PHR perform their set, the stage lights are dimmed and another projector washes over the band as they play. Was this experimental idea pretentious or imaginative? Most of the people I spoke to post-gig thought the former! Tonight Pearl Handled Revolver were celebrating the first anniversary of drummer Chris Thatcher joining the band.

"We're going to have quite a party!" vocalist Lee Vernon announces at the start. It has been quite an exciting time for this adventurous five piece. Their video for "Today was the Day" has earned massive praise and comment. This moody tune is tonight dedicated to the Bedford Burlesque followers who worked hard on the film and many are in attendance this evening. Courtesy of the rich and lush organ sounds that Simon produces, there is a sixties Doors thread that is felt in every tune that they play. "Rainbow" works well. It's one of the first ones that they recorded and, as with quite a few of their songs, it has the look and aural feel of a spaghetti western film score. Their songs smoulder from start to finish. "25 Below" is a new song and a chance for the band to totally rock out.

BAEDEKER, phew! What can I say about a band who, once again, totally blew me away with the brilliance of both their songs and playing skills. This powerful trio are awesomely hooktastic, rifftastic and totally sweat-tastic! Yes, I am a fan. Led by Nick Mailing, one of Bedford's true musical visionaries, they are always going to have a head start. Although they open rather conservatively with a couple of more mellow offerings, it's not too long before they crank up the gears. Then they unleash a feast of slutty avant rock 'n' roll. The barrage is incessant, a joy for us to indulge in. Dan Buckland, lean and wiry with such shaggy hair and wearing a cheeky, almost angelic schoolboy grin, comes out with the quote of the night "Guitars! Going crazy man!". You said it buddy! Those axes really colour so much of Baedeker's set. For those of us who like to chill, "Better Way Out" sates our thirst, such a cool slow burner.

Two younger bands offer such contrasting support, both making their 'official' level 2 debuts. THE RUMOR impressed so much earlier in the year down in Danny's Bar. A retro rock band in the traditional British mould. Confident and strident, they breeze through their set to such an extent that they could have fitted in one more song. Such is their songwriting craft, it's only their (Who) cover that is a partial disappointment. The psychedelic mood swings of "Free Tonight" is their undoubted high spot. A great song. The Rumor pressed all the right buttons. With excellent variation, they were an enjoyable force.

MANDALA are an instrumental three piece noise machine. They brought us some large chunks of down tuned noise that, for this reviewer, rather lacked any tangible originality. I am afraid that I lost interest after about five minutes. The repetition was constant. To their credit, Mandala played with such incredible energy and feature a drummer (Jack, ex of Bent Like Bob) recognisable to the local music fans.