The Whybirds, Pearl Handled Revolver, Alias, Jub.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. 25th September 2009.

REVIEW ONE BY Fran Bove.

Alas this particular Friday night started on bad note for me. As I embarked upon the short expedition up the stairs to level 2 I could hear the music leaking through the hallowed doors, I was late.
It was my own fault and a fault that I would live to regret, at least for the next hour or so. As I squeezed my way through the busy room to the crowded bar, JUB were in full flow, pumping out melodic pop rock tunes as if they were going out of fashion. Some would say it is lazy for reviewers to make comparisons between bands, however it is clear to see that this three piece are influenced by the likes of Panic at the Disco, Fall out Boy and The Foo Fighters. A cynic would say that the in-ear monitors they were using may have been surplus to requirements in a venue like Esquires but based on the trio's strong performance I'm prepared to put my cynicisms aside.

After a short break ALIAS took to the stage with their own blend of blues/rock. A striking front man, wearing an even more striking shirt led the band through a raft of songs full of riffs, solos and intelligent breakdowns that cause a fellow audience member to draw comparisons with New Model Army, a reference that I have to say is lost on me! With clever use of guitar effects and pounding drums they win over the large crowd. The numbers with backing vocals shine brightest making me wish that we heard more bv's during choruses. Perhaps the delay pedal was overused at times, reminding me of a Bill Bailey sketch, but overall this was a band who clearly enjoyed being onstage and despite some minor technical difficulties gave a strong performance.

Having seen PEARL HANDLED REVOLVER acoustically in the past I was eager to experience the full electric set. Of course I was never going to be disappointed. I'm told that certain members of this band don't enjoy references to psychedelic blues but it would be unfair to deny such a term. With Vern throwing us a stare that bordered on manic I found myself hypnotised by this bands music. Vern is a captivating front man who's gravelly bluesy vocals tell us in no uncertain terms that he 'never liked you anyway'. With songs full of passion that are musically fascinating PHR are clearly a band with a wide range of influences. Of course there is the obvious list of psychedelic/blues/rock acts to draw comparisons to, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who etc. but a trip to their myspace reveals in PHR you find a group of not only true musicians but true music lovers. Not only that, these guys put on one hell of a show, all of them individuals who's personalities shine through onstage with no hint of one out shining another. PHR pounded out song after song to a crowd who watched intently. With a New Years eve' gig booked at this very venue you can be sure of a night to remember, get it in your diary now!

And so it was the turn of headliners and local Bedford boys THE WHYBIRDS to play. It's hard to put these guys in a genre, they skilfully blend Americana with Classic Rock and at the same time their songs have a hint of pop in their structure. They use all of their 4 vocals to full effect on all songs, gently caressing you with smooth, southern harmonies and at the same time hitting oh so hard with their punchy guitar tones and accomplished solos. What was really special about this band for me is the way that there was no obvious front man, each member took lead duties on at least one song each and they used the stage to its full effect. These guys manage to produce a polished set that retains the unpolished tones and vibe of rock and roll. Their set brings a fantastic night of music to a close that was enjoyed by a pleasantly large number of people. It was just a shame that most of said number of people (which had slowly dwindled by the end of the set, perhaps with gig-goers saving themselves for the Sid Worth gig the following day) seemed intent on standing still. This was a line-up that really showed quite what quality live music Bedford has to offer. Here's to many more nights as good as this.

REVIEW TWO BY Karen Jones.

Taking the headline slot tonight are THE WHYBIRDS. This local band have recently been described by Americana UK as "The hardest working and hardest rocking band in Britain right now". Quite an accolade, but a good reflection of just how highly they are regarded. Recently this multi-talented band have revelled in some raw, stripped down acoustic shows. During the summer months I managed to catch a couple and watched them bask in their all-too-quiet glory. At present, this hirsute quartet are preparing for the release of their new album called "Cold Blue Sky". Launch night is 7th November at The Relentless Garage, Islington. An essential purchase if the last album is anything to go by. Plus, they have been working with legendary producer Elliot Mazer (Neil Young). The set includes songs from that hotly anticipated offering. "Morning light" opens with Luke's declaration "If you need me tonight, I'll be there".

As per usual, collective vocals take over. The divine "Jenny, can we take a ride?" is a perennial live favourite which has now been placed on to disc. Sometimes their uplifting sounds gloss over a typical backdrop of someone articulating or contemplating their torn or damaged heart. As the set progresses, we stroll through a passage of timeless countryesque landscapes topped and tailed by a lite-rock edge. It does get a tad heavier with "Four little letters", complete with an elongated jam finale. With a small smattering of alternative country, the song writing masterclass continues as The Whybirds display such a commendable level of control and, above all, invention. "Wild wild wind" is just beautiful, awe-inspiring and gloriously out on a limb with the whole of this area. Another familiar tune is "Girl is on fire". It seemingly brings ripples of taut emotional feelings that create wave after wave of aesthetic intrigue. Is it the beauty or is it the power that is the key to this stimulating show? As they leave the stage after "Before I go crazy", loud applause and appreciation rings out. An encore is dealt with in a fitting way. A couple of days ago, Bruce Springsteen celebrated his 60th birthday, so naturally The Whybirds offer their best wishes by performing a cover of "Rosalita". It seems The Boss has a few new apprentices!

The two following bands put in sets that only seemed to enhance their burgeoning reputations. Firstly ALIAS, who since their last Esquires visit have had success by winning The Horn's "Battle of The Bands" competition in St Albans. Confidence has naturally increased and the boys include a couple of new songs, one of which has never been played live before. I can report that both contain that distinctive Alias sound. An intense melange of vocal dexterity, drummer frenzy and a cure all ills melody. All this and "24 wasted hours" which is performed superbly.

PEARL HANDLED REVOLVER return for some more echo-laden psychedelic sonics. Their style could be best described as late 60's Doors meets early 90's Flaming Lips. Led by the dapperly dressed vocalist Lee, who appears to be the true epitome of cool. His Marlboro ravaged vocals cords produce such a raspy sound. In fact, so gravelly are they, you could almost park a Honda Civic on them! The stand out "Walk on by" is an ideal introduction. The cohesive unit of PHR busily constructs such sonic sounds of percussive intent. Melodic codas abound. An element of variation occurs with the 'Mexicana' sound of "Today was the day". It owes so much to the dexterous efforts of all band members. Pearl Handled Revolver's next Esquires visit is, according to Lee, due to be on New Year's Eve. He tells us in no uncertain terms to "get your arses down here". The appeal of these three bands stretches to the number of members of other bands in attendance. As one respected local musician said to me at the end of the evening "Not bad value for 6 quid.".

Opening the evening are JUB. A trio whose spirited set is well received by the early arrivals.