All The Young, with Likely Lads, Ego Trip and Brigante.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Friday 9th June 2012.
Review By Martin Stapleton.
Despite the best intentions of the NME magazine, the current state the much expected breakthrough of 2011 failed to materialise and now halfway through 2012 the situation remains unchanged. Tonight the Stone Roses gig at Heaton Park maybe the powersurge to re ignite some creative juices to form bands put this genre of music back as a force on mainstream Radio One.
One such band trying their best to be the often quoted ‘Next Best Thing’ are ALL THE YOUNG .
Judging by first impressions, I feel these four lads are not the answer. Listed in NME at the start of the year as one of the hundred young bands to look out for, they instantly remind me of early nineties Mock Turtles. (that’s not a good sign) in fact they rather conjure up memories of some third division Early Baggy at the start. As the set develops, it moves in to more whiney territory, but it is hard to quite see just why so many people are getting so excited about this Stoke quartet, perhaps that’s why there is so much desperation about this form of music All The Young offer the sort of stuff that people who don’t do indie, might buy at Tescos to listen to in their Volvo. This always explains the bizarre popularity of Oasis, but this lot aren’t even fit to sniff the hem of Liams parka!
Frontman Bryan Dooley certainly needs his trademark shades as an over zealous photographer demands total full on lights for their first three songs. Probably what this fashion conscious frontman doesent need is a buttoned up jacket. Never mind the quality of the material (ie songs) feel like width of the collar! Considering the hype, they have seemingly generated, the atmosphere in the room is flat. Four people are swaying ever so slightly and some clapping is spotted. Everyone seems to be waiting for that specific magical moment, which sadly never materialises. No song stands out in this turgid set to quote one of their songs, I Wish I Had Stayed At Home And Had A Quite Night In! Come back Viva Brother! Otherwise we will all become urban disciples!
Starting the evening off are BRIGANTE I have in the past been slightly critical of this local band, not tonight however, as they produced a fine mixture of up tempo indie rock. A change of personnel is noticed, but it is not detrimental to this sharp performance. Frontman Luke warmly introduces a lot of the songs such as Hope You Will All Sing Along. Which people certainly do to Everything Goes. This Kid is also worthy of mention. The ultra catchy refrain of Break It Up Now is a favourite moment amongst many.
EGO TRIP are a weird and wonderful addition to the bill. Plenty of stage movement adds presentation to the fine concoction. This Leighton Buzzard quartet are quite literally a nice Shock (newest song) to the system. A cover of This Charming Man is naturally difficult to handle. They pretty much set away with it. Of course the vocals are different, well theres only one Morrissey! Humour is laced to the set with the tale of Robin Bowles Subway Adventures apparently He is a legend making sandwiches. A cover of the Summery California Girls, complete with its rap segment is so cheesy and works with a smile, a wide one.
Supporting All The Young and deservingly getting a bottle of champagne to waste! LIKELY LADS , a York four piece who appear to write some very good social commentary songs about their dreary place and lives. They contain some good attitude, without resorting to be self conscious and boring. Having watched these two touring bands, I feel Likely Lads look to be more deserving of some tangible success. Although it might be a long road to it.
Review by Martin Stapleton www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk