Terrapin Trainstation, Firetype, The Friday Nights, Stonebroke.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 28th March 2008.

Making their first appearance here are STONEBROKE, a Milton Keynes quartet who comprise Lewis Hook (vocal, guitar), Simon Wolfe (vocal, lead guitar), Greg Barrett (bass), and James Walsh (drums). Coincidentally, this is only James' second gig with the band, but it appears that he has settled in well. Their main influence and style is classic rock and it shows. They are straight out of the traps with "Going Away". It has a hard drivin' sound that, at it's conclusion, earns a loud cheer from their loyal band of fans that have followed them here. Special mention of which must be made of 'super-supporter' Barry, whose cheeky heckling was amusing! The headspinning feel of "It's Alright" contrasts well with "Judgement Day", which starts acoustically and ends, I kid you not, with a Sex Pistols riff! Bizarre, but very good. On the whole, Stonebroke acquitted themselves well and were pleasing on my ear.

However, my favourite band this evening had to be THE FRIDAY NIGHTS. The trio conceived a caseful of fresh exciting songs that the boys couldn't wait to unleash on us. The vocalist pretty much gave the game away as to where his and the band's influences lay as he proudly sports a Rifles t-shirt. The songs are similar in structure and pace. Catchy and addictive, especially "The Way You Look At Me". A distinctive ska/reggae lilt takes over "Red Light Guy" and the tropical waves reappear on "Inferno" and "Playground". A good set, but at times they need to tighten up on the drumming side, which for a three piece is crucial.

FIRETYPE are tonight the crowds favourite. It's very much whatever they play, the audience noisily respond. However, because of this, Firetype become a little blase about their skills. Watching the crowds becomes more exciting than the band as some crowd surfing surfaces prior to "Forgive and not Forgotten". Needless to say, the young ladies and gentleman in the audience enjoy immensely, but I feel there is still a lot of practice in front of this band.

Headlining are TERRAPIN TRAINSTATION. A first visit since November 2006. Hard work and plenty of effort has paid off as the intervening months have seen them earn a record deal. A contract with T.M.D. Records (which is a subsidiary of Universal), thanks to some tough negotiating from their Solicitor. The MK quartet couldn't be happier and that air of contentment shines through in their performance. With a recent short visit to America, it's Bedford to entertain now. "Falling Apart" demonstrates they are more than ready, it's their latest song and performed with a fair degree of emotion. Stylewise, the good parts of the set remind me of Counting Crows, while the lesser points are a turgid mix of Nickelback and Runrig! Although each song is competently performed, the end result is not always music to my ears. The rather plodding "What You Looking At" is at least followed by the uplifting forthcoming single "Tell Me Why", which finishes the set on a resounding high. A cracking song full of spirit and action.