The Vibrators, Dun 2 Def, Rebel City Radio, The Bleach Boys.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 28th November 2009.

Nineteen years ago today, Margaret Thatcher left Downing Street for the very last time. Three years before she took up office, tonight's headliners THE VIBRATORS were formed. That puts into perspective the longevity of these first generation punks. Two of the original members still 'dance to the music'. Ian "Knoxy" Carnochan (vocals) and John "Eddie" Edwards. They are joined by Pete (guitar) and, because of the recent health problems that have beset Knox, Nigel Bennett (known for his work with late seventies new wave band The Members) has been drafted in as guitarist. Although tonight is not sold out, there is a good turn out, in fact there are many more than when The Vibrators last played here, nearly three years ago. The quartet proceed to put on a show that thankfully recalled their punk heyday without falling foul of dropping into pastiche or committing the ultimate crime of a cynical cash in!

At present, The Vibrators are touring, principally to promote their latest album "Under the Radar". They perform tracks from it, but there's no denying that it's their older songs from the past that glean the most praise from the paying public. They begin with a blistering blast of "Wrecked on You", which is more than matched by the still golden sound of "Whips and Furs". A baseball cap covers the long greying locks of vocalist Knoxy, but his performance belies the advancing years. An almost mechanical menacing drumming intro by Eddie is the perfect atmospheric starter for "Troops of Tomorrow". "Better than You" gains a crowd singalong, while "Freespirit" is a new song for our 'palatable perusal'. The audience also give full value to "London Girls". With Nigel on board, a Members cover is inevitable and it arrives with "Sound of the Suburbs", a hit from 1979. "Baby Baby", which is a seminally great pop punk song rolls back the years as Knoxy sings "Won't you be my girl". We are still in a musical timewarp as "Judy Says" and "Automatic Lover" duly follow. The slightly unfamiliar "Disco Imposer" breaks up this cosy segment. Surprisingly, shouts for an encore are somewhat muted. Alcohol consumption perhaps a partial reason! Needless to say, The Vibrators return for a couple more, which include a track from the new album.

Since August 2008, DUN 2 DEF have been sadly absent from the level 2 stage. In this lengthy absence, the boys have been busy recording a new album. It's called "Riot Torn City" and it's very much the same pent-up anger from these old skool punks. Passionate to their cause, tonight sees the band on top form. Every song is a feisty punk firebomb. They are an imperative force, totally no-nonsense and still bucking the trend and giving the ordinary working class person a voice. A society, I feel, that is totally broken. Their lyrics reflect it. Politically, they keep it simple, but at the same time keep it very hateful. Their set is sharp and to the point. "Scars of War" is very appropriate at this time. "Less Than Nothing" is ultra fast. Vocalist Ferret is glad to be amongst friends as during a between song break he declares that "It's good to be back". "Drinking and Fighting" has a slight inclusion of skankin'. "1979" is dedicated to the late developers or slightly younger folks of the punk movement. "Oi, oi, oi" shouts punctuate "Stuck in a crowded room". The 'Esquires formation dancers' excelled themselves on "This Time"! For this reviewer, I was mighty glad to see that Dun 2 Def plumped for "Don't give up the Rifle" to play as their parting shot as it is still a great favourite of mine.

Opening are Birmingham's REBEL CITY RADIO. As on their previous Esquires visit, it's an infallible set, displaying plenty of power allied to a dynamic stage presence, strength and stamina. The latter is especially important considering their long journey here. It's a flying visit as they leave pretty sharpish after their performance. Ironically, it's "One Last Goodbye" that I will remember from them tonight. Great lads!

Hitchin's THE BLEACH BOYS are full of 'bubblegum punk'. It does appear that it is not fully appreciated by the 'old skoolers', who use this bands set as an excuse to nip downstairs for a 'ciggie'! I can't blame them as I find it rather pedestrian and, at times, puerile. Their vocalist draws comment from a friend who, while stifling her yawns, thought that "he looked like the product of an unnatural union between Ant and Dec"! With a slightly unfunny shot at Sir Cliff Richard, I knew by the end of the set where my friend was coming from. A set to forget.