Sirenide, Poppy Co-deans, Jets 2 June, Rate of the Day.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. Friday 26th May 2006.

Playing their first ever live gig this evening are local band RATE OF THE DAY, who comprise of Simon Cronin (vocals), Chris Mills (lead guitar), Luke Fattorusso (bass and backing vocals) and Stephen Pagano (drums). Tonight they display a collection of extremely pleasant, 'middle of the road', well constructed, light indie compositions. The opening song from an unknown band is always crucial as an indicator as to how they will fare. In this case 'Comearound' passes the test and the standard is maintained throughout. Final song 'Testing Times' is most definitely the fans favourite and who am I to disagree!

One of the artists who has broken through in 2006 at Esquires has been Craig Currie, a young acoustic singer-songwriter that has impressed everyone. Tonight he is playing with his side project, a band called JETS2JUNE who combine a mixture of most musical styles. 'Catch Me If You Can' is a new song and one that had not been performed very often, but it is a gentle and haunting track that is perfectly executed, whilst 'Without Love' is a minor power anthem. The band then proceed to close with an electric version of a Currie standard 'Choose Your Friends'.

A short time ago 4 piece THE POPPY CO-DEANS made their debut in the bar on a showcase evening, a gig I found memorable not only for the music but also for the fact they were all kitted out in Parkas (on a warm evening). Tonight they are back, this time as a duo and the good news is that the Parkas make a reappearance! Their six songs are pure electronica and are totally atmospheric, however I feel this Bletchley band were a touch too Avant-Garde and off-beat for the audience attending.

Most welcome headliners are our favourite Leighton Buzzard band SIRENIDE, featuring tonight their new lead guitarist Matt King, who slots effortlessly into the line up. 'System Failure' kicks it all into gear and 'Sirens Kiss' melts through into 'Peroxide Blonde'. The songs are presented, performed and most importantly delivered wonderfully and as usual the crowd lap it up.
'Its Orgasmic' yells Llovonne on the beautiful 'Euphority' and yes, I have to agree as we go round and round on 'Stagger', proverbially drunk on the highly potent view of Sirenide. Terrific!