Shapes, Kilto Take, The Vice, The Friday Nights.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 29th February 2008.

Once again at Esquires, promoter Pete Burridge has mixed and matched his line-up of bands. Two Esquires 'virgins' are pitched in with a couple of familiar faces.

Appropriately, THE FRIDAY NIGHTS are here tonight! They feature Matt Wyatt (drums), Dan Wyatt (bass) and Joe Palmer (vocals, guitar). They incorporate a rather retro sixties sound, which initially strik you from their opening tunes, 'The Way You Look at Me' and 'Weekend Soldier'. The latter is heavily mod influenced while 'Playground' is a song I like a lot, a tiny bit of Ska filters around the main hook of the song.

Wow!, Pete has come up trumps again. Last week he showcased the impressive Beautiful Sleazy, this time he is on the button with blues rockers THE VICE, who travel from Reading to be with us. I am first aghast to see they are a six piece but the resulting sound wins me over. Their influence seem to be The 'Stones. Frontman Sam is fully equipped to be a Jagger clone as her struts, pouts and cavorts, while the two guitarists are donning Alice bands. Hair does play a maor part of The Vices visual appearance, as they are all generously endowed in that area! Although it's been a long journey the band are rich and humble of their praise of the venue and considering their next gig is at Camden's Purple Turtle I'm curious to know who they will fit on that smaller stage, hair and all! Of the foot-tapping songs presented for our pleasure, 'Writers Block' and 'Empire City' especially prick up my ears.

So to KILTO TAKE and the gigs are mounting up, six now I believe! The biggest problem with this band is that they are so modest. Please lads, you are good - just believe! The songs slip effortlessly into place and they is a consummate air of ease in both their performance and their stage demeanour. 'Holding the Enemy' is the perfect opener - solid and dependable, it hooks everyone. It contrasts with 'Different State' which just brings out the wild Friday feeling in us all. When a time out is required Kilto Take oblige with 'Tainted State', a very dreamy tune. In fact, Kilto Take just invite me for a coach ride around paradise and don't ask for the fare!

SHAPES are a Luton band who are constantly in a rush. They have a collection of songs that eulogise having a right good time. No world changing ramblings, no earth shattering rants, just down to earth good music. It must be hard coming from such a depressing and downtrodden place to be able to feel this way! 'Big Time Charlie' sets the standards and the party has begun. 'Machete Street' and 'Fistfights at Midnight' are key indicators to Luton ills. Once again they bring good travelling support to add to the atmosphere.