ACODA with Canvas, Young Kings, Seasons Calling. Mark Joseph.
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Bedford Esquires Lev 2 and Dannys Bar Lev 1. Friday 5th July 2013.

As stated in a previous review, old skool punk is very much dead and buried in Bedford, Judging by tonight's turnout and the rather lacklustre atmosphere, the once thriving local metal scene is now virtually on the critical list. It's certainly not due to the line up which, on paper, should sate any 'heavy' fan in their late teenage years (or older). From a review angle, the post-hardcore genre is not a full on personal favourite. The feeling that I get from tonight's offerings is a musical fist in the face, abruptly followed by a kiss on the cheek. Vibrous and rousing at its best, but an unoriginal metal gallop at worst. When the bands ramp it up and the drums get rumbling, guitars motor, you get a sense of power at their collective fingertips. Then it slows and frustration sweeps over me as it detours into vomit inducing slush. These are my overall thoughts of this depressing and dispiriting evening, but how did the bands shape up indivuidually?

SEASONS CALLING are a six piece with keyboards added for no particular reason. There is no depth and very little personality. A vital ingredient is missing, it just appears to be pretend heavy. Polite applause is the best that they can achieve. The only people bouncing to this stuff are the band themselves.

The one redeeming highlight of this show has to be YOUNG KINGS. A designated blackout begins this band's debut gig. They remind everyone of very early Gallows. The demented, but astutely plugged in, vocalist is always ready with a ranty shout in a 'junior Carter' manner. Why it could almost be 2005 all over again. Lyrics are spat with rage, eg "the voices scream, family disease". The forceful juddering shock effect of the guitar slingers also impresses. It is obvious that most of the paying public have travelled to support Young Kings. They pitch themselves up close to the stage. "Sirens" seems to be the song that this impressive melodic hardcore band are most proud of. A magnificent start, hopefully more to follow.

CANVAS have played here before and, as per previous script, they employ their own lighting choreography. Karen stood, watched and noted how these 'seriously big tents' shaped up. Their vocalist moved onto the dancefloor to exercise his rights, but no-one in attendance seemed remotely bothered. Their guitar work impresses, always a plus point. Canvas have grown considerably more confident in their recent visits, but there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance. The singer doesn't cross it, but seems as if he is trying to and it isn't his style. He sings directly into people's faces and they are unmoved (literally). This form of behaviour is really only acceptable from a headline band. The vocalist needs to learn how to 'gee up' his crowd a bit. If you are going to do the whole set from the floor, it's usually for one of three reasons. 1 - the stage is not big enough for the band. 2 - incite a mosh pit. 3 - you're bored. Must be 3 then!

ACODA are the darlings of the metal press. The quartet are heavily gigging at present and tonight could be construed as a last minute warm up for the big one tomorrow when they are to support Funeral For A Friend and Marmozets at Northampton Roadmenders. The vocalist is wearing a Don Broco T-shirt, but sadly the attendance is not of Damianiesque proportions. To relieve the boredom I count about twenty 'hardy annuals'. Song titles are delivered rapidly, but surely one is not entitled 'Heap of ventriloquists' is it? The band try hard, but tonight they seem to be sinking into a musical quicksand of apathy.
The two duelling guitarists bypass each other spectacularly on "The future is yours to offend", but the set just ultimately peters out.

As a bonus, I managed to venture downstairs to ponder this thought - whatever happened to MARK JOSEPH? You must remember this engaging, polite and talented singer-songwriter who last played at Esquires way back on 4th May 2004. At that time, fame and fortune possibly beckoned for the then 22 year old. Then he had just hit the top 40, firstly with "Get through" (recorded in his own studio) and followed up with "Fly" (this reached 28). On this last visit, Mark had just recorded his debut album, entitled "Scream". Coincidentally, tonight sees him showcasing his new offering. It was recorded with a full band and called "The inbetween effect" (out on Monday). This acoustic strummer is helped out tonight by a drummer and a guitarist. It's good to report that the bar is both busy and atmospheric, with everyone watching attentively and clapping loudly. Mr Joseph's songs enchant, so why has it taken him nine years to return here? Although I only catch a small section of the show (sadly I might add), his excellent songwriting is evident. "Something special" has a real singalong feel, while "A place I understand" is slower, almost a ballad. Mark's personality shines through to radiate my evening. He explains that "Step into the fire" "starts a bit chilled then picks up". The last song I view is "Here you come again" and, as our host quite rightly calls this composition "It's everything". My evening has been saved.