The Bedford Athletic Rugby Club Wentworth drive, Putnoe Bedford. Friday 6th October 2006.
Perfect Crime, Onward2Victory, His n Herpes, The Inspiration.
Heat 5
THE PERFECT CRIME are 19-29 years from St Neots and are a 3-piece alternative/post hardcore band that step away from the normal verse/chorus/verse/chorus structure of songs.
The Singer/guitarist is amazing and a big mainstay of the band. They have band stickers and a self recorded and produced EP CD consisting of 4 tracks that they give to the public as a free means to listen to their music and promote them further. The singer and lead guitarist is a main part of the outfit with varied pitch vocals, with melodic and punky tones, not a bad crowd reaction, with a scrumdown row of people up front.
The Bedford Metal B.O.T.B. is a Battle of The Bands and not battle of whose got the best amps and Perfect Crime seem to have difficulty in the 'plug in and play' scenario, using a venues shared house equipment which they will have to get used to if thinking of branching out to other venues. It would be good if they could do this, as I am sure they would be much liked with most venue generated crowds for them.
Probably too many covers but done at least, in their own style - of which they had plenty. ONWARD TO VICTORY 16 year's age range from Sharnbrook School, with Influences from Chilli Peppers, Offspring, Green day and Rancid and are a great party band.
They had a mixed reaction at first but later, a good command of the crowd from the female singer who looked the part, with studs, chains, belt and looking just god damn slinky and really gave it her all, mind you - it seemed to be all her friends up front clapping and bopping for her to perform to, which was done well, with the row up front like putty in her hands.
There was a good use of effects on guitars. I remembered tracks from their C.D. along with a few covers. Their front lady seemed scared of the mic. at times but held it together, with the overall tight sound of the band.
They had an additional trumpet player guest at the end, adding greatly to their scope, in which they competently done their 'Soul Man' cover. Going to have to get this band back sometime for a Bedford Metal party style gig!
Local hero's HIS n HERPES next, I thought their great melodic tunes were the best of the night. 17 and 21 years age range and Sugercult, Blink 182, Rancid MxPx influenced, who formed not long ago - friends that had some ideas for songs and started playing together; Joe and Tobi also play in Blind Theory together. Too much backs to audience in places, but a good range of duel vocals and the singing is particularly good, along with their great crowd reaction, not much movement from the band themselves, but put everything in to what they do. Top notch professional drumming and leaps and poses from their guitarist, adding to the show well.
During their set, fun was had with some fans in the crowd with big hand gloves batting balloons around. Oh dear is the Blind Theory bassist missing being on stage? - all the time with recording equipment on stage with him, filming the event, although with the biggest music venue stage in Bedford - there was plenty of room.
More of an Indy sound THE INSPIRATION , 18 age range, formed while playing at a party one new years eve, influences starting originally from Guns n Roses then a more indy slant with influences from Libertines, Razorlight, Fightstar, Strokes and Artic Monkeys. Not strong over use on the guitars but fills in for the crowd chants between songs and some good material sung by their straw hated singer. Incidentally, did anyone notice the selection of hats worn during each song that the drummer had?
With the Ath. allowing all their age range fans to come to their heat, gave the ones that missed the gig at the Anchor recently a chance to see them at this one.
The band has some impeccable drumming, the vocals are a bit monotone in places where there is also not much movement from crowd in some songs, while other songs can induce moshing to them, giving quite a range of songs at their disposal.
More balloons floated at the end of their set leading to the much anticipated 'Air Guitar Competition' Applications were in late but Skunk Monkeys and Fiona Went through as a tie draw.
Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk