Helminthian, The Delinquents, Rhetorical, Carnal.

Esquires Bedford Lev 1 21st September 2006.

The ever popular 'Showcase Thursday' made it's re-appearance tonight to a bumper turnout.

Normally, the evening is a platform for bands that are 'unknown to Esquires' to enhance their reputation of the local scene. It also gives promoters the chance to check out bands in a live environment. However, due to a couple of cancellations, the hastily re-arranged line-up tonight is cantered around one local musician in particular, namely Rich Taylor who (in the immortal words of one of his bandmates) is 'leaving to get an education!' To put it more kindly, he is off to University which unfortunately means his three bands will be put on hold for a while.

The first in the trilogy of 'RICH TAYLOR' bands are the deathly dark sounds of CARNAL who, by their own admission, have not rehearsed for much lately, but tonight is all very light hearted and the rustiness is soon forgotten.

A band not featuring Rich appear next. Going by the name of RHETORICAL and featuring Matt Duffy (vocals), Andrew Gray (lead guitar), Jack Orbell (rhythm guitar) and Richard Two (drums), they are heavily influenced by Arch Enemy, Chimara amongst others. It's a dynamic debut for this Milton Keynes based outfit. The understatement of the night occurs at the close of 'Hollow Course' when Matt asks for a glass of water. Phew - I would have though an oxygen bottle would have been more appropriate! However, I'm sorry Matt but on balance, my favourite song of the set was the instrumental 'Clarification' which, after a rip-scorching start break to a twin guitar slow and quiet interlude, before a turbo charged finish ensues.

Needless to say, Rich returns with his most established project, The Dilenquents. In just over a year of gigging thay have established themselves as a mainstay of the Bedford scene. Pitched just between full on Punk / Rock sound, their live shows always impress and tonight all the favourites secure maximum audience appreciation.

As in a game of Pool at Esquires, the House Rules state that the winner stays on, so as it is Rich-night, he gets the chance to hook up with another of his bands, HELMINTHIAN. This can only mean one thing. The decibel level increases by several notches and at the end of the set the tremendous applause is for Rich whose marathon stint made it such a great evening and gave him such a fine send off.