Panic Room, Amy Leeder.

Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. 13th November 2009.

The small band of devotees of prog rock are served up a real treat as one of the country's leading exponents, PANIC ROOM, pay a visit to Esquires. Although this form of music is not a favourite of mine, I had to concede that the fifty or so attendees enjoyed themselves immensely. Extremely knowledgeable and so appreciative of each song performed. Female fronted, Panic Room are dominated by the awesome presence of Anne-Marie Helder, whose vocal range, at times, is quite staggering. The band play fourteen songs plus a couple for a well deserved encore. The paying customers seemed to get full value for money. However, for a Panic Room virgin such as myself, I felt the set was slightly too long. Folks, quality not quantity! It's padded out by a few songs that were slightly dreary and overblown. When Panic Room rocked, as on "Apockalypstick", it was a great experience. This song had a far eastern folk feel. The psychedelic ambient sonics were, I must say, quite mind blowing in their results.

The band showcase songs from their forthcoming album (which is their second) "Satellite", plus the best from last year's "Visionary Position". Of these, the upbeat acoustic musings of "Reborn" and the almost robotic sounds of "Elektra City" score highly, courtesy of the magical guitar skills of Paul Davies. The set, as a whole, skates from some high points, such as the funky "Sandstorms" and the better described sci-fi metal which is "Dark star". The low points often take over and at times it's hard to stifle the yawns. The beguiling Anne certainly can melt the iciest of hearts, souls even. She seems to have a slight fixation with cats. It suits her vocal dexterity which is perfect for the playful "Cat". Sometimes there is a lull as on "Yasuni". It's atmospheric downbeat doomscape is a tad sparse and, I feel, repetitive. It unsettles, as does "Blood Red". Panic Room have a niche which, in Bedford, appears to be small. Perhaps we can call it a cult following, but the risk taken by the fledgling promoter is to be admired. The fanbase is, to be fair, small, but highly enthusiastic, especially for a loudly called upon encore. This included their quite unique version of "No quarter". It would have been interesting to see the reaction of Robert Plant and the rest of the Zeppelin boys to this prog version. It works though.

AMY LEEDER is growing up fast. Just two years ago she was a fresh faced new recruit to the Esquires scene. In that time she has matured, yet still retaining the sweet innocence of youth. Amy does not, and never will, rely on covers which are so beloved of those manufactured 'pap stars' that keep the sad people of Saturday night TV happy. Although tonight she is without her 'boys', Amy's confidence flows copiously. Playing in front of people not familiar with the Amy experience, her excellent range of songs gets strong feedback. Totally unfazed as ever, Amy brings us her full band set totally unplugged.