Rebelation, Smoke Like Fish, The Skalinkskis, Ruff Cutz, The Splitters, 3 Minute Warning, Near the Knuckle, Playing Away.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 25th April 2009.

It's either through excellent planning or sheer coincidence that todays Ska Explosion gig, overseen by Upbeat Promotions, comes exactly 30 years since 2 Tone arrived on an unsuspecting musical world. This is an all day festival totally given over to ska. From the original line-up, a late cancellation by The Debt Collectors reduces the bands to eight. Although the emphasis is totally ska, it's fair to say that today's crowd owe more to boots and braces than it does the chequered pumps brigade.

The only local band on display are PLAYING AWAY, whose set slowly grows in confidence. Bravely they announce at the start for everyone to come to the front "as we are nice people"! Ironically it's the lead up to "My Best Friend's a Bitch"! "Mr Fantastic" and the rockier "Don't Do That" stand out from the rest.

NEAR THE KNUCKLE continue from their last Danny's Bar appearance. They are just so addictive. Cutting lyrics are perfect for "Rat Attack" and "Bouncer". Nice to see that the crowd loudly voiced their approval.

3 MINUTE WARNING are a quartet who, with their keyboard attachment, veer towards traditional 2 Tone material. The audience finally have reason to skank.

THE SPLITTERS are the chillout supremos as they tackle level 2 without their trombonist. But then "Nothing Comes Easily" as they would no doubt say. By the time "Back to You" is performed, the missing brass player is safely tucked into the bosom of the band.

RUFF CUTZ hail from Stoke. Prior to their set they make an announcement that finds a united hush. Tonight's performance is to be a tribute to a much loved friend of the band who sadly passed away recently. "Teenage" and "Rude girl" stand out, but I particularly enjoyed "Renegade".

THE SKALINSKIS are a multi-tasking band who also arrive without a trombonist, which is a pity as they seem to be totally brass driven. "Nice and Sleazy" is retro, while "Open the Door Bartender" is pure rock'n'roll ska. As the band reminisce about the legendary Prince Buster, "I don't Love You Anymore" is superbly performed.

SMOKE LIKE A FISH are a traditional ska band who, amongst their seven members, push the emphasis firmly towards brass. "Stanley" opens and how it impresses. So too does "Death of an Angel". The crowd are totally into the ethics of the whole evening and dancing is very much a part of it.

Headliners REBELATION just chill us to closing time. The huge collective is only handicapped by the lack of a guitarist who couldn't make it. Amongst all the anthems on display I felt that "Without You I Fall Apart" is the best. As the band depart I am left to reflect that although I am totally overdosed on ska, I feel that as far as all day Esquires festivals are concerned, today had been very successful.