The Ramblers, Lizard Kiss, Temples Burning.

Esquires Bedford Lev 1 1st June 2006.

Tonight's showcase evening was all about Ampthill / Flitwick band THE RAMBLERS who, with an average age of 18, comprise of Jack Francis (vocals), Laurie Cornwell (guitar & backing vocals), Jon Miles (bass) and Boggy (drums) (what is it with drummers and their nicknames? - Ed). Their repertoire of 11 quick-fire songs was a fine mess of styles and speed. They purvey a locally unique mix of folk-punk which has definite shades of The Pogues (who they admit are one of their major influences). Their fan base of Ramblers and Ramblettes are much in evidence and offer great support, plus the clapping intro and outro of 'Hello Pretty', which was the filling in the sandwich of a good old 'oi oi' sing-a-long. 'F**k, F**k. F**K' is a brilliant effort as Jack's vocals are almost trance like as he rants and rants and his back by a great sound from the rest of the crew. With some good old drinking tunes, especially 'That Woman's Got Me Drinking' where upon they 'outshane' Mr McGowan. Final song 'Down the Pub' is pure Sham 69 meets Less than Jake and finished a memorable debut.

LIZARD KISS are a young Bedford band who include Andy (vocals), John (drums), Tom (bass), Ben (lead guitar) and young Alex (rhythm guitar) who is just 14 years old. First impressions are that they appear to have spent all their summer days and winter nights listening to Bon Jovi, Guns'n'Roses and the ilk, such is the high-five rock musings they produce. The songs 'Devil Train' and, most especially, 'Highway' are top fodder for their vast fanclub!

TEMPLES BURNING offer a set of low-end lo-fi Heavy Metal, much fixated with Metallica. It's all growly throats with its root firmly set in the old school and as such there is little deviation from the formula. I feel it lacks the physical depth it craves. A fair effort but they need to develop more variation.