The Modern, Eyelash, Overeasy, Longshot.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 25th February 2006.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook.

The Hairgel crew gave us a totally full on colourful time tonight, when for the majority of the evening, the must have accessory was a full barrel of lip gloss!

LONGSHOT from East London get the night underway, with 'Down Down Down' sounding very familiar from their last visit. The crowd soon get into the mood and for an opening band, Longshot are exceptionally good. The only setback for them tonight is that vocalist Tom Hutchison was suffering from a heavy cold. However, I don't think anyone noticed much as their guitar based pop, which is a full of adrenalin and energy, is supported by a superb selection of songs of which 'Treading Water' received the best reception tonight.

I must admit that before tonight's gig I had quite forgotten just how good OVEREASY are. Front man Tim Stock has a real presence and attitude whilst the band just play damn good songs. Opening with the 'Love Generator', this was the Byrds meeting The Stone Roses, Psychedelia meeting Baggy! However, there are differing styles all the way through their set - when you hear Breakdown, it conjures up a mental image of Jagger and Richards jamming with Johnny Thunders and David Johansent circa 1973, a combination as powerful as this song. Final track 'Loving' has the desired effect as it just left me wanting more of Overeasy.

How can a band possibly follow the high standards set this evening? Well, when it's EYELASH it's the proverbial piece of cake. And this is where the lip gloss really comes in handy - and that's just for the guys Flow and RU. lead vocalist Fe grooves and bass player Sophie rocks, firstly to the infectious 'Blood On My Blue Jeans', then to the thrash rock of 'Party's Over' before ending with a full on Punk tirade! Eyelash purvey something somewhere between neo-gothic punk and a slow burning rock odyssey. This was perhaps best emphasised with 'Overkill', which is a dizzying display of superior musicianship and instrumental ecstasy, resulting in a joyously frenetic work of wonder. Eyelash have been playing intensively in London recently - most notably at Madame Jo Jo's - and have a gig coming up at Rock City in Nottingham.

Headlining tonight are THE MODERN, who are on the brink of 'The Big Time', if you believe the NME hype. Opening with the single 'Jane Falls Down' this is full on retro 80's synth pop with a futuristic twist. Vocalist Emma stands and shimmys in a very seductive manner but with synth twins Nathan and Chi focussed and unsmiling, I am afraid I got a little bored with the first few songs of their set. 'Seven Oceans' saw Chi take to the vocals which is was followed by a new song 'Questions' which saw some great interplay between the band members. 'Fool In The Name Of Love' relied on a very heavy dance beat, over which Emma tenderly sings 'I wanna show you, I need to know you'. This was followed by Industry, which is going to be the next single, to be released on the 6th March.