'The Agony and the Ecstasy' - Cravens
Christmas extravaganza.
BENT LIKE BOB, SUMMERFALL, FELL SILENT,
ENTER SHIKARI.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2.
Friday 16th December 2005.
Review one by Jess Clarke.
Review one by Jess Clarke www.bedfordmetal.co.uk Review two by Martin Stapleton.
Bent Like Bob. Bent Like Bob, local 4-piece band,
with a growing local fan base, put on a brilliant show as always, playing songs
that they're in the process of recording at the moment. The lead singer, one
described as 'a walking house party' made another energetic performance to add
to the bands original style of music, with the rest of the band playing as well
as ever.
Summerfall. As always, Local band Summerfall,
despite being out of Bedford, away at university, put on a great show, playing
mainly songs from 'DAFAEISM' their new CD, with an older song 'senior netball
practise - cancelled' from the CD 'It could be fate, or it could be skill'
Although, '4 ways to spell pretension' & 'funky chicken' should have been
played to top off the set, it was good to see them back & hopefully they
will be back again soon.
Fell Silent. As usual, this band from MK, a
favourite band in Bedford, we're as tight as ever, putting on a great
performance with some real audience participation, on the second date of their
tour with Enter Shikari. This is probably the 8th time or so I've seen Fell
Silent and maybe the best I've seen them play, with maybe the exception of
Cravenfest & once at The Pitz. They played the two new songs off their new
2-track EP as well as some old classics 'silence' and 'mindless self' these guys
are very talented and certainly very popular within Bedford.
Enter Shikari. Oh Dear. Enter Shikari are possibly
one of my favourite bands at the moment, what an amazing, and original band. The
last time I saw Enter Shikari at Esquires, there were only about 40 people
there, maybe less, this proves how much bigger & better they become each
time they play, gaining more support from fans across the UK. Opening with a
unique introduction to start off the set before playing one of the newer songs
'Labyrinth'. With strong, distinctive vocals, tight rhythms, and a flawless
stage presence, every aspect of their performance was energetic and powerful as
ever right to the end. Playing both a range of old and new songs, they never
fail to get the crowed singing, dancing and getting involved with their mix of
electronics and screamo. 'OK time for plan B' was played last, leaving the
crowed screaming for more. I look forward to seeing them again in February. I
think this band will go far, and it's clear that a lot of people would agree.
REVIEW TWO BY MARTIN STAPLETON.
The party spirit was in the air tonight (and not just at the bar!), Cravenfest introduced 'The Agony and the Ecstasy', a Christmas extravaganza featuring six bands who have all been supported by Paul Craven during 2005. Tonight, they show their thanks.
DAYS RUIN open the evening in front of an eager crowd full of anticipation. The pace barely slackens as songs such as 'Truth' and 'Satisfied' get the evening started with a bang.
Coming in as late replacements for Mos Eisley were RED DOLLAR, who produce a superb power punk-pop set. Although probably playing tonight to an audience that knew very little about them, Red Dollar seemed to thrive on it. On this, which is only their second ever gig, the songs are already becoming firm favourites of mine and 2006 should be an exciting year for them.
A local young band that has emerged triumphantly this year has been BENT LIKE BOB, although I am curious to know if they will change their name in 2006! Once again backed by huge support the boys play a lot of new compositions. The rich vein of songwriting prowess that Bent Like Bob possess shows no sign of flagging, as 'Dragon Fly Theme' and 'Fourth Floor Blues' fire the crowds emotions.
Although having been around slightly longer than some of the other bands tonight, SUMMERFALL can look back on 2005 with a great deal of pride and satisfaction. Having served their nervous apprenticeship the year before, the past twelve months has seen them play with poise and perfection. Their confidence and enjoyment is evident tonight, no more so with the song 'Soul'. I for one look forward to seeing what Summerfall can produce in 2006.
FELL SILENT appear tonight on the back of their recent success in the Bedford Metal Battle of the Bands Competition. Having achieved so much this year, their set tonight is hard, loud and powerful. The ironically titled 'Silence' is then bands opener before the fury and aggression of 'Seven Minute Whore' turns the mosh pit into all out combat.
It is fair to say that all of the bands appearing tonight could have equal bragging rights to headline. The cast list is that good however that it falls to St. Albans four piece ENTER SHIKARI to take the honours. Having recently completed a successful tour, the main source of surprise is that they have not yet secured a record deal (a total mystery to me). They have stated in the past that there is a lot of pressure in the underground scene not to sell out and their main aim is to have fun, which they certainly proved tonight with a top quality set highlighted by 'Johnny Sniper', rock underpinned why a soft melodic base. Enter Shikari have a stand out originality to their sound, best emphasised by 'We Can Breathe in Space'.
A great night courtesy of the class of 2005.