Robots in Disguise, The Michelles, Little Thief.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 5th February 2008.

A decent sized Tuesday night turn out greeted Robots In Disguise. Although not a viewer of the tv programme myself, the duo are also known as ‘The Boosh Girls’. Colourfully attired, Sue Denim and Dee Plume drive the young crowd crazy with a mashed up primal electro pop punk sound delivered with a thumping and pounding techno beat.

Robots in Disguise are at present showcasing their new album, ‘We’re In The Music Biz’, which their fans have obviously purchased (or illegally downloaded for free!) as they all know all their songs tonight.

We are told that RID spend a lot of their time in Berlin, which as the evening wears on, becomes very evident. All through their set we are treated to a kaleidoscope of slides and film shows that run in conjunction and depict each of their songs. The result is escapism at its very best. Sue and Dee’s aim is just to have a great time. It’s just a pity that it’s a Tuesday and not a weekend. The audience party on regardless and are rewarded when one of the girls stage dives on to them. Older music followers may also recognise Robots In Disguise crazy re-working of the Kinks classic ‘You Really Got Me’. Overall, not really my cup of tea, but the young girls and boys in the mosh pit loved every minute.

Main support comes from THE MICHELLES, who I found most tedious, especially their rather ‘quirky’ vocalist who was about as funny as toothache. He sneeringly tells us that Bedford is memorable only for it’s roundabouts, shame he means Milton Keynes. One of their songs ‘I’m In Love With The Animals’ is apparently about the tasteful subject of beastiality.

Thankfully, local band LITTLE THIEF gave a good account of themselves. Old favourites ‘Lucinda’ and ‘Friday’ were joined by another poppy tune by the name of ‘Matchbox Romance’ which had their array of fans singing along in unison.