Portion, Belle de Jour, Sirenide, Recovery, Stranger, Funyamum.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 28th May 2006.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton Pictures by Suzy Cook.

The Whitsun Bank Holiday gave Jo and Joe Public the chance to enjoy six live bands, have drink or two and not worry about the consequences on Monday morning! Beginning the evening's entertainment in the bar downstairs were perennial Bedford favourites Funyamum, whose stage show this time was quite surreal and a packed bar gave testament to the longevity and popularity of this band.
Moving upstairs to Level 2, some new acts and some familiar old favourites are there to greet us.

STRANGER, featuring the mercurial talents of Jess, are first on and securing the permanent services of drummer Matt has broadened and hardened their always lush sound. New song 'Shut Up' is debuted, but not before Jess vehemently informs us that it is (thankfully) not a version of the Kelly Osborne song, for which we all breath a collective sigh of relief.

For those people who enjoyed FUNYAMUM earlier, RECOVERY offer more of the same Funky, Soul, Rock Vibes that gets yer head a bobbin' and toes a tappin'. Fast becoming a favourite of mine, their set is confident, self-assured and a pleasure to witness. 'Calling' and the utterly divine 'Lady' are a fine concoction of sounds.

Like the proverbial Cavalry, SIRENIDE are called into to play at the very last minute, filling in admirably for the indisposed Ruby Shoes. After playing a storming set on Friday evening, tonight they probably top it. Their reappearance so soon makes it seem they are on an Esquires residency (oh, if only!). Their manager Chris must take credit for getting the band to appear at such short notice and they did him proud as their set is ravenously consumed by the audience. A joy once again.

BELLE DE JOUR are making their debut here but feature a line-up of well known musical faces. They are a perfect contrast to the high octane pulsations of Sirenide as they produce a set of cultured avant-garde countryfied electronica. Imagine if Gram Parsons had lived in the Eighties and joined Heaven 17. Their set is a sheer indulgence of soft sounds.





Headlining are the popular St Neots outfit PORTION. The antics of the leering and shouting Blaine are always eagerly anticipated and he doesn't let us down tonight. Opening with the mighty 'Morphine', Portion certainly up the ante. Ben, Baz, Mark and Brett are tight and professional whilst their effervescent frontman embarks on his traditional walkabout. The result it, as always, akin to theatre but tracks like 'Speedball' are impressive in an eclectic set.