Trader Vegas, Seven Stories High, Jumpsuit Collective.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Thursday 18th November 2005.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook.

The Hairgel Boys most certainly pulled the proverbial rabbit out of their musical hat tonight with the appearance of Leighton Buzzard six-piece JUMPSUIT COLLECTIVE. Minus a drummer but featuring lots of impromptu percussion play, they certainly won me over, but I have to admit that halfway through their first song I wondered what the hell I was watching! However, the sheer cheeky improvisation and imagination of the band made for an extremely enjoyable beginning to the evening. A novel part of their set was they way band members appeared and disappeared on and off the stage as and when they were needed, so on some songs there was six people of stage, for other tracks just two!

Flitwick's SEVEN STORIES HIGH made a welcome return and although they cite Radiohead and Doves as major influences, for me they are virtually a carbon copy of Elbow. Frontman Stuart Cox fills the Guy Garvey role superbly and is well supported by Eddie, Be, Howie and Luke. Seven Stories High's songs are well crafted and executed superbly in a richly warming set.





Headlining tonight are TRADER VEGAS who, after the gentle lilting songs of the previous acts, crank up the volume with some raw and powerful rock. Hailing from Shepards Bush, these chirpy and confident cockneys deliver a sharp and cutting set, of which 'Rarity Abroad' and 'How Long' are delivered with real bite. Credit to Trader Vegas, whose next gig is at The Hope and Anchor in Islington and who could be really be worth keeping an eye out for.