Random Hand, Knockout, 91 Pieces, Minimal Damage, Playing Away.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 24th January 2009.

It's a welcome return to the One For The Underground banner for an evening that, for the most part, had its roots in the ska punk corner. Keeping the local traditional ska flag flying are seven piece youngsters PLAYING AWAY. Tonight, for a change, they are casually attired and it's good to see them slowly growing in confidence. Sharing a stage with The Beat recently has obviously helped. They again produce a set of their own material which includes a song about their 'fantastic' drummer Michael! I particularly enjoyed their trio of brass players who integrate an upbeat sound into each song, although the abrupt end to their penultimate composition is puzzling to say the least! With their stage presence improving, it's good to see that they are listening and learning.

Stevenage trio THE DEBT COLLECTORS tonight include drummer Matty from Minimal Damage. They proffer some old-skool street punk with some mightily peeved hi-octane ranting! From first viewing, this seems like a band who possibly might have stumbled across their dad's (or grandad's!) punk vinyl collection and though "we'll have some of that!". Urging the rather nervous crowd to come further forward, they appeal to me instantly. Their song "London" is a perfect example as it's fresh and energizingly performed. Such is the night that they even mix in some ska to some of their own compositions for a little variation.

Despite mounting speculation, this may or may not have been 91 PIECES final gig. Whatever arises, once again the brothers Burke worked their duelling guitars magic and gave us their lyrical teenage social commentary. With "Midland Road" (that song about "a street in Bedford"), which is followed by "ASBO"! There is an interesting cover of The Ramones "My brain is hanging upside down". In a week that Barack Obama was taking up his presidential duties, that song was originally titled "Bonzo goes to Bitburg". It harked back to former president Ronald Reagan's 1985 controversial visit to the German cemetery, a visit that so enraged Dee Dee Ramone. Quite an ironic choice by 'The Pieces'.

Jetting in from Southern California to support, and return the favour to, RANDOM HAND were ska-punk trio Knockout. This is their first night and naturally they reveal that they are slightly jet-lagged. Their commitment could not be faulted, but they were not really to my liking. Nothing really stood out, but they seemed like nice people, and perhaps once they settle down on tour their natural effervescent flair will shine through. True ska fans that they are, they seemed to really enjoy covering "Rough rider", while they also included a touch of reggae in their set.

In these days of torment and strife, it was great to see the return to Esquires of our favourite Yorkshire sons Random Hand. The ska metal collective are at present touring to showcase their forthcoming new February album "Inhale/exhale". Vocalist Robin tells us that later in the year they are due to appear with Reel Big Fish. For those in attendance who are familiar with "The Hand", they are not to be disappointed. The boys are in fine fettle as the new material shows how adept they are at penning ragged pop songs. Dementedly, Robin thrusts himself forward and with immense sonic potency, gives us a blast from his trusty trombone. As before on their visits, with Randon Hand the delights came thick and fast. they once again showed all those media-scrabbling bands that integrity and true individuality still counts for a lot.