Xi, Wolflaw, The Wake.

Esquires Bedford Lev 1 Thursday 5th October 2006.

Showcase Thursday produced yet again a varied line-up with three bands from either end of the country.

Headlining and currently on a small tour are Leeds based Xi. The only part of the bans not to find favour with me is their name! Featuring Daz (vocals / guitar), Flimsy John (guitar / synth), Bill (bass / vocals), Legge (synth / samples) and Don (drums), their sixth ember Kate (violin / vocals) is unfortunately not here tonight. Formed in 2001, this diverse band take in many influences so their sound is difficult to define - Muse versus Placebo is perhaps the best I can do!
After completing the track 'Montauk', Daz announces that his top string has snapped, but with true Northern grit he will soldier on. Xi's forthcoming single 'Faceless' is the song that the boys seem most comfortable with, but Xi put plenty of effort and vigour into their performance and the synths provide plenty of colour to their set.
Currently signed to Indie label '48 Crash', they ended their Esquires debut with 'Low', a song that seemed to combine and encapsulate all the elements of their work. Infact the tune takes second place to the visual performance from Daz as he hugs and caresses his guitar. As well as showing a great deal of respect to the crowd and the venue, Xi are hopefully a band we shall see in the future on Level 2

Opening slot this evening belongs to Peterborough band 'THE WAKE', featuring Ben Courton (vocals / guitar), Drew Mason (bass / vocals), Ross Vinten (guitar) and Dale Vinton (drums). Ben wears a t-shirt with the slogan 'Injustice Anywhere Threatens Justice Everywhere' and their set explodes with the hard rockin' 'Allstars'. It's a terrific opener which is more than matched by the following 'Flawed', which builds up to a monumentous conclusion. This is a song off The Wakes forthcoming EP, which the boys inform me they are recording over the weekend.
With no time to pause 'Broken Mirror' is ushered straight in and induces some spontaneous pogoing from Drew. 'Modern Needs' sees Ben tuck his guitar away and bring some quieter reflection to the proceedings. A touch of humour occurs when he announces the title of the next song 'S.U.F.O.'. When a member of the crowd asks what it stands for, the reply is swift and to the point. See if you can work it out!
My favourite song from The Wake has to be 'Gort', which is about a robot from outer space and is a high octane rocker with a blistering outro.

Next Bedford based buzzsaw guitar merchants WOLFLAW (not another 'Wolf' inspired band name - Wolfmother, Wolfeyes, Wolfpeople - enough already!) bring their raw and rough and ready noise to us and their mighty army of followers roared their support in appreciation of Phil, Antony, Roy and Sean. They play a punk-fused, short set of five songs that are all about passion, sweat and noise. Their song 'Suckerpunch' is what most of our heads feel like they have received at the end of twenty minutes of Wolflaw!