The Bedford Athletic Rugby Club Wentworth drive, Putnoe Bedford. Friday 17th November 2006.
Track Zero, Stepping Over Jenny, The Inspiration, Gain, Blind Theory.
First Semi Final Heat
TRACK ZERO have played every venue in Bedford now and just love the Ath. for it's totally mental up for it crowd. There was a lot of on stage movement and the band warmed the crowd well, especially when the keyboardist got in to the crowd to get everyone dancing. Described a 'euphoric, classical, epic, rock band they are a total party atmosphere band playing stuff that just made you want to join in; walls of death were even induced also!
To keep things fresh there was a keyboard and vocal swap during the lively set also.
STEPPING OVER JENNY had a well up for it crowd and the band were gig ready, having done a rock fest gig at their school earlier in the week, headlining Scratchplate. They started with an old Men Without Hats cover - 'You Can Dance If You Want To'. The brass section was tight and played in perfect unison, they have some good guitarists as well, contributing to the ska sound, along with their very amazing petite new singer. Even their violinist had a go on singing and are now quite a well-practiced party band/sound/and crowd!
They ended on a cover as well, perhaps too many covers (although done in their own style) but with their ages and age of the crowd. Who cares! Bedford Metal looks to be seeing more of this band in the New Year.
Bit choppy with the drums and start stoppy with the songs THE INSPIRATION Were the most smartest dressed band like a James Bond audition with suits and black and white ties, looking suspiciously like a zebra crossing, There was some good beaty drumming I thought it wouldn't take long for their behatted percussionist to get out of his suit, stripping more and more as the gig went on. The bands attire also included scarves and badges on guitar straps being worn.
The crowd looked rather static apart from some movement in pockets of people up front but not the best crowd reaction. They have some good tunes that are well and powerfully sung and some great-flanged guitars, adding to the indy/rock-edged sound.
One of the most gig ready bands GAIN and what a vocalist! - A musical instrument in its self, sounding a bit 'James Hetfield' with out even trying.
People from out of Bedford were coming up to me and saying "Wow who are these?" They were impressed, gaining new and the usual fans of theirs alike. Two of them are studying music in Coventry while the other are quite firmly based in Bedford, so perhaps a few gigs up north soon. They played a set including tracks from their new C.D. You can see them again at the Grand Final and also playing Danny's Bar Esq. on Christmas Eve.
In all the BLIND THEORY gigs I've seen, I've never seen their guitarist move about so much, he was the star of the show, looking a bit like Steptoe with the hat and red necktie. They all had a go at excelling at some point. Their bassist had some stronger vocals as well.
They play a raw punk sound with energy (more than usual at this gig) and some great crowd participation. Their cover of 'I Fought The Law' going down rather well.
I was as disappointed as they, that they didn't go through, they were like a 'different Blind Theory' than usual and the Beds Ath. is where they excel!
Well done to Gain and Track Zero who go through to the Grand Final on Saturday 9th December.
Keith www.bedfordmetal.co.uk