Wolf People, Christian Webb, Kristian Purcell & Leah Kardos, There Were Bears.

Lev 2. Esquires Bedford. 20th November 2010.

Tonight on level 2, we are in the company of WOLF PEOPLE. A quartet, they comprise Jack Sharp, Tom Watt, Joe Hollick and Dan Davies. This British band are leading purveyors in the resurgence of a once dirty word on the music scene. Yes, I'm talking of progressive (prog) rock! Receiving a multitude of good reviews from the music press has enhanced their flourishing reputation. This acclaim has come off the back of their recently released album "Steeple". In fact, after being nurtured on small labels Sea Records and Battered Ornaments, they significantly became the first band from this country to be signed to USA label Jagjaguwar. This company offer a suitable home to the 'groove-heavy' psych rock genre. Recently described by NME as a UK version of White Denim, their eclectic mix of sounds is, for a 'Wolf-virgin' like myself, something akin to hearing King Crimson meets Mumford and Sons!

A very good turn out greets their Esquires debut. I'm sure this is connected to the fact that vocalist and guitarist Jack is a hometown boy. Although not instantly memorable as a great evening, there are many highspots. "Silbury Sands" is, without doubt, the magical moment. It's a gorgeous song and the band really excel on this exquisite composition. Also of worthy note is "Castle Keep". A tear jerking cry strikes up as Jack sings "My Heart is Dying". He carries on in a similar vein as the tender words echo round the old walls. Inevitably with "Tiny Circle" there is an obvious (and no doubt well worn) comparison with Jethro Tull. With an exhilarating stoner-like guitar intro to "One by One from Dorney Beach", Wolf People lap up the deserved loud applause. With shouts for more and the fact that they are in the company of many friends, Wolf People dare not turn down this most earnest request. They reciprocate by performing "NNR". At the moment it is a working title for a song that they will no doubt build upon in 2011.

Tonight's show is dominated early doors by three talented acoustic artists with more than a passing nod to desperate living. CHRISTIAN WEBB may, as far as singer songwriters locally are concerned, be a throwback to the past. Recently the bar has been significantly raised by so many of the same ilk. Christian is pleasant, but nothing special.

The revelation of this evening are, without doubt, KRISTIAN PURCELL and LEAH KARDOS. The former is very well known to us, but Leah on keyboard is simply sensational. The chemistry between the two is immense. Their pretty songs are performed in such a tight professional manner. A hush is observed throughout as they save the best for last with the utterly divine "Your Dress is a Curse".

THERE WERE BEARS are a five piece based in Hertfordshire. An immediate thought occurs. This is beard stroking music. Unfortunately I am clean shaven! This is near on forty minutes of my life that I cannot reclaim (God can I have a refund?)! In the words of a fellow chin stroker, they are good at what they do! Keen, enthusiastic and musically skilled, but they perform a set lacking in serious passion. I suppose that technically they push all the right buttons but, for a very bored onlooker, it was indeed a most dull set.