The Departure, My Passion, Trailing Laces.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 18th May 2006.

The dear old venue was certainly buzzing tonight with live music both upstairs and down. In the bar the regular showcase evening was open for business whilst upstairs 'Hairgel' presented three up and coming talented young bands.
I was upstairs to witness The Departure, but before they headlined it was time to warmly welcome back Bucks band TRAILING LACES.
Sometimes asking an Esquires crowd a simple question such as 'How Y'All Doing?' is not the wisest choice one can make. I must admit I did feel sorry for the young man as this innocent question is greeted by a stony silence and blank faces. This crowd has definitely arrived to see The Departure and were rather hesitant about Ricky and the boys. Those in know were not however, as these 'Roses revivalists once more put together a set of pure aural delight. Forthcoming single 'Make Your Mind Up' is a brilliant song superbly executed tonight and it's backed up by half a dozen equally impressive tunes. This night could be described as a warm up gig for Trailing Laces are due to play Brighton's Great Escape Festival on Saturday.

Next up tonight are MY PASSION and it is quite obvious from first sight of them that they have raided their mums and dads' 1980 New Romantic record collection, as well as carefully studying the clothes and distinctive look of that era. In fact, the vocalist has a hairstyle that is reminiscent of Phil Oakey circa 1981. My Passions sound is perhaps summed up at the end of their opening song 'Tomorrow Girls' when they tell us that they are a 'Metal-Disco Art Pop Band'. A perfect analogy and a strangely absorbing band and set that seemed to grow on me with each and every song.

With a plethora of XTC and Gang of Four 'tribute' bands storming the charts, I don't suppose one more will hurt. THE DEPARTURE's gloom rock, which is now hugely reminiscent of Editors, seems to keep their fans happy and tonight they perform a variety of new and old songs, even telling the crowd to 'contain their excitement' after their second track 'Comeback'.
Hailing from just up the road in Northampton, The Departure are at their best tonight when they perform their single from last Autumn 'Arms Around Me'. This track was played frequently on XFM and it was great to see it performed live. 'Dirty Words', the title track from their album also impresses whilst 'Revolution' is a slightly quieter offering as the straps on his acoustic guitar and declares, somewhat unoriginally, 'We'll Start a Revolution'. A bold statement, but can they back it up?