The Swamis, The Runners, The Occasion, Sister.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 16th December 2006.

After the crazy manic exertions of last night's Klaxons gig, sanity was restored as a wide and varied line up of bands perform here tonight.

SISTER RAY's set includes a selection of new material which still follows the conveyor belt of the harrowing, acoustic lyrics that carry so much passion and emotion in their delivery. However, it soon becomes evident that the early arrivals are slightly scared of Sister Ray as they safely position themselves at the side and rear of the room. Very warmly received despite this, Sister Ray's vocalist Genna only breaks her taut and trance like state by softly and delicately announcing 'ta very much' at the end of each song.

THE OCCASION are a band I have not seen since they supported the Tokyo Dragons in May 2005. Their quirky, chirpy frontman urges the still reluctant audience to come on forward, as they open with the pleasant 'Mine to Lose'. It's very much indie rock but does possess with final song 'Suitcase' a rich deep undercurrent of the Blues.

THE RUNNERS continued the excellent impression they have created here by the sharp, snappy opening song 'Baby's Gone'. It perfectly pushes the right buttons and is instantly followed by 'Familiar Faces', a song about their home county of Hertfordshire. The Futureheads influenced 'Man Without' sums up a band that have the uncanny knack of writing songs that that keep one's blood cells circulating at an excessive rate. An excellent half hour.

One of Esquires favourite sons of 2006 has undoubtedly been THE SWAMIS. Their always faithful fans are out in force, it might be the zenith of the party season but the folks are here primarily to focus on this three piece, nothing else matters. With The Swamis creating the most gorgeous far out sounds, it begins with the most beguiling, hypnotic, mystic opening song one can imagine. A delightful sitar solo performed exquisitely by Paul Jackson. The funkin' dunkin' Red Hot Chili Peppers influenced Lost In The World is the pick from a set that cemented their status as a band that impressed us all here during the past year. 'Levitate Me' is a tune that perfectly sums up the general state of euphoria that captive audience experience at the pinnacle of The Swamis set.