The Perfect Crime, The Tempest.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 22nd October 2005.

It appears tonight was jinxed! Original headliners El Presidente had to pull out only days after being confirmed to play. Then The Cadelles went the same way a few days ago. To compound things even more, Tom Can't Fly pulled out at the 3pm on the day of the gig!

The Hairgel Boys however carried on regardless and we were left to enjoy the talents of THE PERFECT CRIME and THE TEMPEST.

Becoming frequent visitors to Level 2, THE TEMPEST'S set tonight could hardly be described as 'unplugged' but it did have the low-key intimate qualities that you'd expect at an acoustic gig.

This soft indie rock band have an excellent stage presence and a very solid sound, which is demonstrated throughout their set, from opening track 'Losing it' to their last song 'Don't Let Go'. They brought a loyal bunch of fans with them (whose support the band acknowledged from the stage) and I'm sure they earned a few more by the end of the night.

Esquires offered a warm welcome to debutants THE PERFECT CRIME. A three piece post hardcore band hailing from St. Neots, they have been together for just over a year and have a number of gigs under their belt, both locally and in London. They cite their influences as ranging from The Deftones, Biffy Clyro and Sikth.

The Boys, considering the small turn-out, gave it their all. Demonstrating a talent for combining power vocals and churning guitars to maximum effect, the songs 'Shaped Like Misfortune' and 'Provisional Promises' showed enough promise for me to hope we will see them again soon.