The Suffrajets, Violet Martinez, Phonic Rapture.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2 8th June 2006.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook.

After the rock girls of Tuesday evening, it was the turn of the SUFFRAJETS to strut their indie-rock stuff on stage. Their gig last November was memorable, so all credit to Hairgel for getting them back again. It was just unfortunate that the turnout tonight was so poor. Mind you, the way these four girls play, they make their own atmosphere. Opening with the truely scorching Courtney Love-esque screams of their latest release 'Going Nowhere' (a statement that certainly doesn't apply to this band), the pace hardly lessens as The Suffrajets are here for an end of tour party and their 3 male roadies even join in the fun on stage for a riotous singalong at the end of the set.







'Worthy', their forthcoming single, is a song about the tortuous pain of an abusive relationship, but when the tune is so damn good, I'm afraid you almost disregard the lyrics and just join in and sing. As the set moves at a lightning pace. 'Sold' ends this enjoyable quickie. Shame you all missed it, but for those of us here we echo the sentiment - The Suffrajets, superb to watch, even better to listen to.

VIOLET MARTINEZ are the late change to the advertised support tonight and offer some sparky indie attitude. They make an inauspicious start as the vocalist accidentally snaps his mic stand after their first song! He soon recovers his composure and it is pleasing to note that he has eased up somewhat on his ungainly and shuffling dance moves. The song 'Love is Like Too Many Things' captures a cracking guitar riff while 'Waiting' has been lined up to by The 'Voilets forthcoming single. The Green Day clone that is 'Middlemanagement' pulls the set to it' stumps.

PHONIC RAPTURE open proceedings. Oh dear! - enough said. However, 'Amy's Song' is tonight beautifully played and is an oasis in a hot and dry desert of a set.