Wolflaw, Love Muscle, The Mono Effect.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 23rd March 2007.

After a career span so far of a mere six months, tonight saw the first headline slot at Esquires for Bedford's WOLFLAW. Their reputation is growing as purveyors of rock'n'roll at its most untamed. With songs such as 'Swing the Bottle' and 'Crucified' containing lyrics and a sound that both revel in and recoil from the ecstasy and horror of a basic human existence. That's not to say that Wolflaw cannot switch to a more mellow style as their haunting intro showed. Now featuring Jason on guitar, they doff their hats to the history of the archetypal garage band. Mixing the sculpted fury of metal to the visceral clout of punk at its earliest form, frontman Sean has the elegantly wasted physique of a typical rock shaman. Although a few technical problems occurred throughout the set, their loyal fans were well and truly bombarded. Drummer Phil appears at first glance to be the mighty god Thor with his resplendently long beard as he thunders out a rabid aura. By the time their anthemic 'Obey the law' hits its demonic stride you begin to realise that Wolflaw have proved, yet again, that the Devil has all the best tunes!!

Supporting the 'Law were fellow Bedfordians LOVE MUSCLE, who tonight showed continuing signs of their maturity. The deep and bluesy 'Devil mouth' opens this enjoyably elongated 35 minute set. It gave vocalist and drummer Fergus, plus the triple guitar work of John, Geoff and Tom an ample opportunity to display their vast and varied musical styles which incorporate anything from rock to funk and even a touch of ska! Fergus certainly possesses a well seasoned voice that belies his tender years. The closing 'Kill the mood' is a real favourite as it takes it influence from the Latin sounds of Santana, while it's preceded by 'Confidence' which is a pointer to Love Muscle's potential!

Opening band The MONO EFFECT return to Esquires exactly four weeks after their headline slot when the young folk of Bedford showed them a total lack of respect. Tonight is only a tad better as this talented four-piece Cambridge rock band deserve a better and far more appreciative crowd than they received during this set of hard-rocking tunes, most notably 'Away' and 'Fall'. Perhaps for The Mono Effect and Esquires it will be a case of third time lucky!