Swamis, Red Bullets, Pearl Handled Revolver, The Delaneys.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 26th September 2008.

Fresh from their recent slot at this years Cravenfest, local youngsters THE DELANEYS opened this evenings gig. To their credit, it's as a very late replacement. Not surprisingly, none of the quartet are called Delaney! Making up the band are James Moverly (guitar & vocals), Andrew Chase (guitar & vocals), Craig Palmer (drums), and Will Meighan (bass). The boys' bouncy pop songs remind me of a mix of the sounds of Kooks and The Coral. Second song 'See You Later" includes some varied tambourine use, while 'Touch' changes from an acoustic "softy" to an all out pop rocker in a matter of seconds. Their last song, and probably my favourite, was apparently written recently when they were drunk. Naturally its called 'Fuck Straight Lines'!

I find The RED BULLETS very tedious. The set unfortunately reminds me of Toploader, so that really is enough said! The quartet are extremely proficient and accomplished musical technicians, but I just feel that it lacked something. Passion was probably the missing vital ingredient. Featuring prominent piano sounds on all songs except 'Songbird'. This is, in a perverse way, my favourite and the most enjoyable. Humour is introduced with a song called 'Codfish Aristocracy' which happens to feature a Skids riff. Yes really.

PEARL HANDLED REVOLVER include amongst their ranks a few familiar local faces. It makes for an interesting combination. Foremost it's hard edged and uncompromising R'n'B, but the lush keyboard undercurrent (courtesy of Simon) just adds to the all round appeal. Collectively they contain a diverse range of influences which formulate the genres that the band cover. They even infuse maraccas and harmonica to their collection of songs. There is to be savoured, a tex-mex song, complete with gravelly vocals which would make a marvellous spaghetti western film score. Also, one song contains the constant chorus of 'I Don't Care'. It contains a real timeless quality as the sweeping keyboards cascade over us all. "More, more more!" the crowd demand as Pearl Handled Revolver end their set. Unfortunately due to time constraints they were unable to reciprocate, but I'm sure there will be another day.

The fabled Swami-army are here in total force to pay homage to a trio that constantly appeal to both young and old. The amount of various other band members in the audience is a quite staggering testament to The SWAMIS' pulling power. They are a predominantly leftfield outfit whose mesmerizing and chaotic live show is part of Bedford's local folklore. This band just love to tear it up, which in turn makes their fans mosh, smile and dance. In fact, people not dancing to The Swamis is rather akin to trying to eat a jam doughnut without licking your lips! It's a energy soaked set and, needless to say, the trio are as per usual stripped to the waist for the most part of the set. 'Illuminate' and 'Turn Me On' are just two of the amazing array of songs that typify this enthusiasm.