Bedford Alternative Music Present: The Acoustic Showcase
Frantic Alice Acoustic, Ben Kelly, Holly Knowles and Stephen Hinds.

Holy Molys Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. Friday 6th September 2013.

The latest gig presented by Bedford Alternative Music is an acoustic showcase in the ambient surroundings of Holy Moly's. Starting things off is STEPHEN HINDS. He is introduced by our genial BAM host Keith as a "jolly cheery chappy". Indeed it is an accurate description. He wears a smile that never leaves his rosy ruddy faced cheeks. His demeanour and choice of clothing leads me to think that he has just come straight from his tractor or combine harvester! Perhaps it is that rural flat cap that Stephen is wearing. He stands up for the whole time and banters with the crowd constantly. "All right lads and lasses?" he enquires. I always find that in the sometimes hushed library-like confines of Holy Moly's, it is so difficult to fully know how to tackle an acoustic night. You can never tell if or when you are going to be shushed! Happily tonight everyone has a relaxed attitude and gaining the approval of at least one person has Stephen in a positive mood. Unfortunately the set is dominated by covers by artists such as Jawbreaker, Black Stone Cherry and especially Frank Turner. The latter gains from a mass crowd singalong with the room echoing with dodgy voices shouting out "Won't sit down, won't shut up and most of all I won't grow up". Stephen's own song entitled "Lyric book" is naturally my favourite and hopefully he can pen a few more for his next visit.

With a nervous introductory grin, the delightfully talented HOLLY KNOWLES returns to Esquires. This flame haired songstress charms the audience with a selection of songs principally culled from her brand new (and exceptionally good) "Blindfolded" EP. She also, thankfully, includes the enchanting title track. Holly truthfully admits that she "hasn't played a gig in absolute ages". Young lady, nobody here would have known as she sails through effortlessly. I do think that she needs some of Mr Hinds' self-confidence. This is noticeable on "Dreaming" when she reveals that "This is only the second time it has been performed live so it will probably go wrong"! Don'y worry Holly, it was played brilliantly. "Blue heart" is also worthy of mention in this divine thirty minutes.

Undoubtedly my 'star player of the night' is BEN KELLY. This is his solo acoustic debut at Esquires. He is, of course, widely known on the local scene for his exploits with longtime BAM favourites Acidity (who remembers their memorable but hugely censored RATM cover at the 2010 Bedford River Festival?). BAM supremo Keith informs me that Ben has been busy writing a stash of songs and releasing them on YouTube. The next step, naturally, is a gig and tonight is the start. Very confident, he slots into his set so well, like wearing your favourite pair of shoes. "Sports Direct" is the absolute highlight. It is Ben's tirade against one of his former employers. The words are both cutting and so funny; "It may be a sports organisation, but it ain't all fun and games". A store where "the staff are moody and the customers are dumb". He should send a copy to the Newcastle Utd chairman Mike Ashley who also owns the company. A genius song. Ben is also amusing when he performs "This place is lame" and then "I'm going to miss her", "a break up song with a difference". In an almost mock country twang he croons "What's better? Her or catching a pike?"! Also worth mentioning is "The 4 chords monster" which Ben describes as "an elongated mash up". Ben Kelly, great entertainment.

Frantic Alice take time away from their normal band duties to perform a set as an acoustic duo. A friend kindly informs me that the vocalist used to be in the MK glam rock band Lionsex so I have to tread carefully in my potted description of FA's set! Apart from the annoying habit of continually shouting out to the crowd "Make some noise", which is mentioned on six occasions, Frantic Alice leave with their reputation intact. This is very much rock 'n' roll acoustic. With a striking pose and one foot on the monitor, "She sells sanctuary" is performed acoustically! How bizarre, but it works. In a similar vein are acoustic versions from Bon Jovi and Foo Fighters. The guitarist earns his train fare on those. "Memories" is their single and the singer's stage presence is suddenly under threat from a long lead. If not exactly to my musical liking, it fitted in well with this hugely enjoyable evening. I'm not sure if the traditional quiet 'shush shush' acoustic buffs would have been impressed, but I sure was!

Stephen Hinds Vid

Holly Knowles Vid

Ben Kelly Vid

Frantic Alice Vid