Trashlight Vision, Patchwork Grace, Backup, Kissing Slinky.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 10th August 2007.

Hallelujah! Brothers and sisters! As you know, Esquires was a church in times long ago, but in 2007 its the 'sermonic' words of the 'Reverend' Acey Slade that these musical followers have come to worship. With the rest of the Trashlight Vision members on board, Acey declares "People, lets raise the roof!"

Three years may have passed since his last visit, but this former Murderdoll certainly hasn't mellowed his beliefs. TRASHLIGHT VISION have specifically chosen Bedford Esquires to close their tour. It's been long and tiring, they can't wait to get home and tonight it's party night. So exhausting has it been that Acey tells us wryly "It's a good job they don't have smellovision on myspace"!
A sizeable turnout tonight this evening, and as with all touring bands, big or small, the bonding session that they have with the audience is crucial, and tonight its sealed from the start. The sleazy 'punk'n'roll' songs of 'Face Plant', 'I Can't Wait' and 'Allergic To You' press the button for the mosh pit to mosh! Arms in the air, the crowd are being orchestrated by the controlled mayhem on stage.
Acey Slade seems to have a genuine love and affinity for Bedford and England in general as he crudely poses this question "Which country has the highest rate for underage sex, underage drinking and illegal drug use?" We seem to know it's going to be this country and Acey joyfully confirms it!
Trashlight Vision's look, philosophy and, to a degree sound, is very 1980's, which they demonstrate with a Ramones political cover 'My Brain is Hanging Upside Down', a statement of it's time. While the nihilistic attitude of 'Black Apples' and 'It's So Easy' with their uncomplicated sound structure are without question my favourites of the set. It's also nice to report that the whole of Trashlight Vision were at the end of the gig, only too happy to pose for photographs and sign autographs. Top men for a top evening.

Main support came from PATCHWORK GRACE who are glam rock'n'roll with a goth-punk feel. Its a return visit and they are still fronted by the eccentric Tori Trash who portrays each song as a fragile demented soul. She says little except to tell us that "We are lovely people". Miss Trash - the feelings mutual.
During their opener 'Secret Squirrel' one of the guitarist's mic stands immediately gets knocked over, methinks this is going to be quite tasty. As before, 'Zebra' is my favourite song, and tonight during its performance, a Patchwork Grace roadie (I presume) in a gorilla mask comes on and offers a large glass of whisky to each of the band. The three lads take their fill while Tori declines. The set played at breakneck speed, of which the count is a dozen songs in thirty minutes. With the anticipated release of their debut album 'Milk Teeth' on September 10th, and a slot on the Sony-BT Broadband showcase evening, this is an exciting band with a hopefully exciting future.

Briefly a mention for youngsters KISSING SLINKY who impressively opened tonight, and debutants BACKUP whose dynamic mixture of rock, hip-hop and ska-funk was enthusiastically received.