Radiating Eyes, Fall Through Fallacy, Ascension.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 22nd January 2010.

There's a certain comfort to be had in realising that metal and hardcore is still thriving amongst the youngsters of Bedford. As I walk in early doors, a strangely unfamiliar bunch of lads are going through the routine of a sound check. Instantly hooked on their particular choice of song, I had to investigate as to who they were. They reveal themselves as FALL THROUGH FALLACY and, what’s more, they have travelled down to play for us all the way from Bourne, Lincolnshire. They comprise Cal (vocals), Tom (bass), Jamie (guitar), Niall (guitar) and Charlie (drums). It's obviously their first visit to Esquires, but what a good impression they left us with. They were courteous and obliging in their pre-gig chat. The set is eagerly anticipated and the boys don't let me down. What follows is not clean cut radio friendly pop rock. It's going to be three bands creating something challenging and, above all, exciting. Fall Out Fallacy's integrity and musicianship came through in the passion for the sound they produce. As with the rest of the night it is, thankfully, displayed with a welcome lack of overt machismo, presenting instead such scene strengthening positivity.

"Echoes" is a short sharp intro with an abrupt ending that seems to catch everybody out! This is a band fully utilising their three guitarists and, wow, don't we know it. The sound purrs heavily. In fact, it is hard to believe they have only been a working project for some seven months. Having gigged extensively in their home county, they have ventured in to venues in Peterborough, but this is the furthest trip yet. It is to be a last hurrah for several of their 'older' songs as the band believe that now is a suitable time for a directional change. They want to move on to a heavier or 'grindier' path. New material is being put together and the forthcoming results will prove interesting, especially as they are discarding such good quality songs. "Harlot" is, according to Cal, about a "lying fat bitch"!! This is said with a high degree of feeling. Also being consigned to history is "Amnesia", this being one of their earliest songs. It gains from an inventive drumming intro. "Heartfelt" is boosted by the variable use of backing vocals. As with all their compositions, the hard and fast guitar sound is prevalent throughout. This also happens to be their myspace song.

This evening's event has been brought to us by the hardworking efforts of Ben Goodson, who just happens to be RADIATING EYES frontman. Totally exuberant, if you thought they may be restricted by being downstairs, you would be wrong. Decorum is certainly not observed. Tall and lithe, he manically charges around the room singing from atop tables and chairs! His fitness level is incredible. Matching Ben's vocals is the beefed up guitar sound. Dazz reveals pre-gig that he's trying some technical experiments to compensate for the fact that Ben no longer plays guitar. After last week's successful gig in Luton, Ben proudly announces "This is our venue". "Pointless fuckin vermin" is dedicated to friends. This catchy party hardcore tune explodes with power and energy. With angry rants at the government, social issues are also covered. They may be rock 'n 'rollers, but they have a potent voice. Their dynamic wall of noise is typified by "Steel hearts".

Contrasting this heavy evening are ASCENSION. More metal orientated, they are heavy enough to rattle any loose tooth fillings! This is a band who have progressed by leaps and bounds since their early gigs. They now happily straddle all forms of the genre. It does include some old skool riffology. There is an admirable flexibility in Ascension. Mixing the new ("Killing the perfect 10" - a song they always feel goes badly!) with the older "Goodbye", the confidence oozes. Vocalist Mike is a striking presence. His long flame coloured hair is perfect for a rock star. Michele takes the plaudits for his awesome guitar solos. It's quite a mammoth sound for the relatively compact confines of the bar. Ascension are due to return to Esquires for a level 2 EP launch gig next month. On this performance they deserve to have a good one.