Ascension, Optimist, Vegas Nerve, Folk'n'Ska Souls.

Lev 1 & 2 Esquires Bedford. 26th September 2009.

The Sid Worth Memorial Tribute Fund tonight hosted their annual autumn fundraising gig. A chance for the committee to raise much needed funds to help the young musicians of Bedfordshire. This year already, SWMTF has contributed money to help Playing Away and Speedshot. Remember, if you are in a similar position and need a little help, don't hesitate to get in contact with the SWMTF. Even have a chat with one of the committee who are usually to be found here at Esquires or at other live music gigs in and around Bedford. Remember, the SWMTF help, they really do. But, hey kids, there has to be an occasional appearance at one of the twice yearly gigs they put on. Sad to say, only a few non-playing musicians seemed to be bothered to turn up on level 2 to say thank you. A touch disappointing, I feel.

This evening, the hand upon hand support that the SWMTF exists on does not flourish, at least on level 2. Why oh why is it that such a small town like Bedford does not pull together for events like this? In a positive collective direction, for one night only with promoters helping each other, supporting instead of giving it a wide berth. Unfortunately, this gig has been rather beset by problems. The original line up of bands (including late withdrawals Playing Away) that the committee had originally put together have, for a variety of reasons, been somewhat decimated! To this onerous situation, the seven bands who grace Esquires this evening should be commended. However, for the four bands who played upstairs, I do have a complaint. Why was it that they did not support their fellow musicians when they were playing? This failure to give moral support was quite rude and not really in the spirit of a night when many people gave their services so freely.

Opening upstairs and rising so highly for the night were young metallers ASCENSION. Even in their previous guise of Chaos Faerie, they have always struck me as a hit or miss band on their Esquires visits, perhaps lacking cohesive consistency. Their stage persona impressed me at the student bands competition recently at The Corn Exchange, even if the sound quality afforded to them did not. The elements of the two certainly combined well tonight. Michele (guitars), Mike (vocals), Jon (guitar), Lexi (drums) and Ricky (bass) really threw the shackles off and showed the embodiment of youth. Powerful in both departments, it seemed that the short notice with which they played tonight eased any lingering nerves or pressure. They performed with no restrictions, showing an incredible amount of stage energy. With long flame coloured hair, vocalist Mike leads his young cohorts along a road of metal mayhem. The songs strike hard, especially "Goodbye" and "Revelation". They prove to me to be the best and, above all, most passionate band on display tonight.

The raw hunger displayed by the previous band contrasts sharply with the more mature OPTIMIST. Their highspot came when they dealt so well with a stray heckler who, for some obscure reason, wanted an Oasis cover. To compensate for his turned down request, the said gent bizarrely resorts to a burst of Russian cossack dancing!

VEGAS NERVE are a staple part of SWMTF having played their part last year. Tight, solid, and having a perfect 'party piss-take' song called "The Michael Jacks son song"! The lads proved in their set that they are not adverse to having a bit of a larf!

THE FOLK N SKA SOULS are very well known to us here. Only a tiny slice of their usual support have arrived to dance and enjoy themselves. An eclectic mix of influences always make this band an interesting proposition. Perhaps a total lack of atmosphere deflates my usual pleasure in their mad antics and bouncy material.

Downstairs in Danny's Bar KID CHARLEMAGNE, WATCH THE WALLS and CAPTAIN OF THE GREASY BASTARD each contributed their share to the musical fayre. A word of thanks must go to the SWMTF committee whose voluntary effort to the cause and welfare of Bedford's aspiring musicians continues to be required by many. Hopefully tonight has raised more valuable funds.