The Zico Chain, Juniper Hollow, Black Ramps, Last Man Standing.

Esquires Bedford Lev 2. 20th January 2006.

Reviewed by Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook.

After a lengthy break for the Christmas and New Year period, tonight it was business as usual as Hairgel launched the 2006 live music year.

One of the new young local bands to emerge last year were the excellent LAST MAN STANDING. Tonight they played to their usual high standard. Opening with their call to the 'Devil's Answerphone', they followed up with a fun cover of 'Stand By Me' which eventually gave way to my favourite LMS song, the marvellous 'Rise' - you know, the one that starts with the line 'The Sun is Bright, the Grass is Green'. A fun tune for a fun set.

To follow Last Man Standing was certainly going to be difficult but when that band are the self-titled 'Bedford's very own Slack Sorcerers', the standard was maintained. It's a real shame that the 3 piece BLACK RAMPS don't play here very often - their last time was in March 2005 - because they are a quality act. Their 'stoner rock' sound is so unique as far as local bands are concerned. Comprising of Warren (vocals/guitar and one of the tallest frontmen around), Andrew (bass) and Rupert (drums). The young crowd took a little while to warm to the Black Ramps, perhaps because of the age difference between them and the band, but once they did they were hooked! Old favourite 'Battlecat' seemed to be the turning point, especially with it's repetitive 'Meeoww' lyric!

The real gem of their set however is the bands forthcoming single 'Saucer Crash'. I bought a copy and I just can't stop playing it - a song that lodges itself into your brain with it's hypnotic lyric 'She's a Big Girl Now and She Knows How To Do It'. Ending their set with a healthy dose of Sonic Youth feedback, come back soon Black Ramps, please!

The major debate at the tail end of 2005, whether it be on the Internet, in pubs, schools, or between strangers in the street was should Bedford's young post-hardcore four piece Bent Like Bob change their name? Some liked it, some didn't and some considered it potentially homophobic. Rumours had been circulating the past few weeks that a change was afoot and tonight at 10pm frontman Mischa revealed that Bent Like Bob has been laid to rest and JUNIPER HOLLOW was born! However, I think the debates may continue as I asked a few people what they thought of the new name and the reaction was...mixed! Regardless, Juniper Hollow kept their 160 fans happy with their usual infectious set. The band also announced that they have secured a few out of town gigs in the next few months and will continue to work hard in support of their new CD.





Headline band THE ZICO CHAIN are part of the current trend in recreating the sound of 'Grunge' and to their credit they managed to pull it off. Comprising Chris (vocals/bass), Paul (guitar) and drummer extraordinaire Ollie, the latter is a ringer for the late, great Who drummer Keith Moon, both in his exuberant playing and in his manic facial expressions! This Brighton based band impressed tonight, from opener 'Preach', the passion and power was constant and current single 'Rohypnol' was well received by the moshers.





Currently on a mini tour of the country, The Zico Chain will shortly embark on a trip to the USA to play at the South by Southwest festival and are hoping to secure some high profile support slots. They are certainly a band worth keeping an eye out for this year.