The Whybirds, The Sticks, The Escape, Sulfer.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 17th May 2008.

That old adage of 'the show must go on' was certainly the inspiration for this evening's gig after a very late cancelation by Hungry Bears (Palladium were due to headline). Thankfully, 'DJ Pete' hastily reorganised to put together a quality line-up, with top slot going to original support act The Whybirds. A lot has happened to this band since they last trod the Esquires stage almost a year ago. They have a brand new self-titled album to their credit and many of those songs are showcased tonight.

THE WHYBIRDS are a quartet heavily driven by 70's 'country A.O. rock' and have the appearance to match. Long shaggy hair with bushy beards to boot! Plus, what they have in bundles is the ability to make sweet music. As well as the rich tuneful harmonies there is a timeless quality in the lyrics. "What it Means" is a case in point. A delicious composition, full of feel good combinations, it takes time out to include a raunchy guitar solo midway through. This upbeat spirit continues with "Four Little Letters", which for this reviewer should spell g-o-o-d! "Turn Right (I'll Turn Left)" is a Whybirds standard that resoundingly builds to a forceful crescendo. "Make Me Numb" is my favourite. It's a real foot-tapping, head-nodding jaunty drinking song and tonight I need no prompting! If I knew all the words I'm sure I would join in (!), but it's only the chorus I can follow and it's easy to sing "I'm still at the bar", and thats good enough for me!

"Hauling" is catchy and inviting. It reminds me of something that legendary country rockers The Band would have composed. The quartet are in unison as they sing "Blow Out the Candles and Haulaway". Also from the new album is "Girl is on Fire". Again this possesses an emotional melody. The guitar solo once more takes the ear. It almost brings to a close a marvellous and entertaining set by a band pretty unique locally to us at Esquires. There is still time, however, for the ironically titled "Before I go Crazy", which is something surely no-one will suffer when they are in the company of The Whybirds. A very talented band of musicians.

Support acts are led by acoustic duo THE STICKS. Known most notably by last years familiar "Is this Love", success of which has bought them some shiny new guitars! THE ESCAPE, due to the rearranged evening are promoted to level 2 and continue to make good progress, while the debut performance of SULFER is steady. A hard rockin' band of which "Who Do You Trust?" and "Sophia" stand out.