The Sticks, Amy Lee, Kristian Purcell, Afro Dan.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 3rd August 2007.

With the Level 2 doors shut for the evening, everybody's attention switched downstairs to Danny's Bar for a "DJ Pete" organised acoustic show - a brilliant idea and ultimately a most enjoyable one. I wonder if four acoustic acts have ever played here together here before?

First to the mic was AFRO DAN. A young teenage Bedfordian with a massive afro hairstyle (hence the name, I presume!). In the last couple of months Dan has been filling in on gigs in the bar, but only for quite short sets. Tonight, for him, was a lot longer and the nerves were obvious to see. During the eight songs he performed, the undoubted pick was his own composition 'Alcohol Made Her That Way'. A few mates even join in by singing the following 'Back of a Taxi'. It seems at the moment all Dan needs is a huge injection of self-confidence and a stronger vocal projection.

The most seasoned campaigner of the evening is next, and when it's KRISTIAN PURCELL, entertainment is guaranteed. He literally lives, breathes and acts out each of his songs. When this man shouts "Jump" I just think "How high?". He is elegantly attired, smart pin-striped matching waistcoat and trousers and a crisply starched white shirt - a real Mr Cool! During 'Sunrise' he reassuringly tells us "I'll be there for you". Sometimes it is rather foolhardy to cover a classic, but Kristian's version of Bowie's 'Heroes' was stunning and respectful. In fact, so overcome by Mr. Purcells's performance, it drew this comment from fellow Esquires reviewer Steve Norman, who exclaimed that Kristian looked "like Prince on stilts and sounded like Alison Moyet after a heavy night on the babycham"!!

To follow a set like that takes a lot of confidence, poise and especially guts. Young chanteuse AMY LEE once again passed with flying colours. She immediately gets into her stride with 'Leave Me Alone', all the time smiling happily, while her vocal clarity is impeccable. The normally noisy bar thankfully gives due respect and attention as 'Boyfriend To' is played. She even mentions the dreaded C-word (chavs!) in Esquires and gets a rapturous round of applause for 'Chavs of 2023'. Amy's last song is a singalong cover of The Offspring's 'Get a Job'.

Sandy's acoustic duo Ollie Campbell and Andy Inwood, collectively known as THE STICKS rounded off the evening in majestic style. Their set is full of neatly crafted lyrics and delicious harmonies while alternating lead vocals throughout. The boys offer a contrasting mixture, as uplifting feel good songs marry the more reflective ones such as 'The Golden Age', which Ollie dedicates to his beloved family cat Daisy that sadly passed away at the ripe old age of 17 a few days ago. Meanwhile the songs 'Looking Over Her' and 'Secret Places' are so reminiscent of Turin Brakes. They even audaciously attempt a cover, which is something they never usually do. It's 'I Feel Fine" played with good humour and a collective round of applause proves that gamble has paid off. The penultimate song makes me ponder - it's no use playing 'Gravity', I'm still floating! That then leads to 'This is Love', the TV advert singalong which goes like this: "It's all about the birds and the bees, and the beauty in the trees - well this is love".