Wolflaw, The Radiating Eyes, The Dilenquents, The Purple Zeppelins, 24 Carat Purple.

Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. 18th September 2009.

Esquires showed just why it has a unique reputation in Bedford tonight. Alternative music fans are catered for on both level one and two. Upstairs, the older clientele who like their rock heavy and classic are kept happy with a couple of tribute bands. Firstly are THE PURPLE ZEPPELINS whose covers set consists principally of Whitesnake and Led Zeppelin songs. There is an intentness in the eyes of the crowd who, although small in number, are totally engrossed in this celebration of 'hirsute rock'.

Downstairs at this precise time, things could not be more different. The vibrancy of youth has taken over on this Friday evening. The lunatics have well and truly taken over the asylum! Due partly to their circumstances at the moment, THE DILENQUENTS only perform rarely, but when they do, it's quite an experience. Joined by guitarist Dazz, Kyle, Richard and Jason are a forceful punk combination. Following are Radiating Eyes who, although severely limited in their available stage space, manage to generate so much energy and, once again, are hyperactively deranged! With all this controlled excitement emanating, it's time for a tune from one of the birthday people celebrating tonight. Burkey is joined at the helm by Sean Wolf to perform "I got my first real six string / Bought it at the five and dime / Played it till my fingers bled / It was the summer of 69". Apparently it's a favourite of one of the other birthday attendees and the lads do it justice.

To bring events to a close, rock quartet WOLF LAW turn up all the relevant knobs to eleven as only they can! Their sleazy tunes suit their glammed down exterior. Drummer Lee might disagree. His blonde hair doesn't move an inch as he whacks the drum skins like his entire life depended on it. Old favourites "Obey the Law" and "Crucified" open strongly. Except for "Suckerpunch", the material is home produced. Fast, frenetic and, as per usual, totally anthemic. Main songwriters Roy and Sean bounce their ideas off each other to create songs that are the ideal ingredients to produce a live performance that is both vibrant and exciting. The thirst is for total perfection which, of course, can be so elusive. At present, I sense that Wolf Law are short on directional confidence. But, hey, when a band can generate so much fun, excitement and respect in these depressing global times, the message has to be: Wolf Law, please, please continue to chase down the glorious day!

I decide to venture back upstairs for the climax to "24 CARAT PURPLE's set. Sadly, it appears that I have missed "Hush", but as "Strange Kind of Woman" disappears into the ghostly Esquires ether, the encore sates a fairweather Purple fan such as myself. "Black Night" is good, but "Smoke on the Water" rules. The 'Ian Gillan' frontman knows and strikes all the right poses.