Saturday 11.January 2003, Bedford Esquires.
And so it was, persuaded by the threat of a violent death, I paid my £4. and once
again found myself shuffling through the battered double doors of Esquires - Bedford, this time to witness the first heat
of the Indie/Alternative section of the annual Battle Of The Bands.
For the first band of the night, CHESTER, proved suprisingly well rehersed. However, after a confident start showcasing
some simple but strong vocals, they seemed to loose the crowds interest, only gaining it again towards the end with another
more driving number. Problems with the sound also ment that both the keyboards and second guitarist were barely audible.
In addition to this, I found that although the songs were technically competent, Chester's generic indi persona rapidly
began to wear thin along with the crowds patience, if only they had the confidence to step out of the confines they so
carefully set themselves and expand on their sound, they might've retained the crowds interest.
Next up, STRATE EDGE took their position on stage. Tention between the newcomers and Esquires veterans Goldigger was
noticeably high throughout the evening and the group seemed to start the set with something to prove. Like Chester before
them, Strate Edge opened with a more agressive number, gaining the crowds respect in an instant. The vocals were for me
the best of the night, vocalist Tim, strutting the stage like a true schizophrenic, snarling and growling in an impressive
display of passionate, rock n roll extravagance. Unfortunately, the band's lead guitarist was almost completely lost in the
mix and they began to loose the crowd as their set came to its end. For the youngest act of the night though, Strate Edge
displayed an unexpected range of styles and most importantly, a passionate delivery, much to the annoyance of headliners
Goldigger.
The third act of the night, THE REVIVAL now proceeded to make themselves known, with standard issue anoraks and pointless
percussion in the form of a small shaker in the shape of an egg. Despite their stifling choice of costume, The Revival were
the loudest and most energetic act yet and for many in the crowd, more than adequate entertainment. For me, I couldnt see past
the hamster style sideburns of their Gallagher-a-like frontman, who didnt live up to the confidence of his own appearance,
providing tuneful but weak vocals. The Rivival weren't bad, they were simply ok, just managing to redeem themselves with a
nice, big rock n roll finish.
GOLDIGGER made their entrance with the kind of arrogance that had so annoyed their fellow performers and walked onto the
stage to the tune of 'The League Of Gentlemen', frontman Andre, signalled to his band mates with an embarassingly camp
"1 2 3 4!" and Goldigger burst into a disappointingly weak intro section. Despite this start, Goldigger retained the interest
of the crowd and continued to deliver a set of distinctive indie, mixed with an almost garage-punk sound. Drummer and notorious
socialite Steven Fothergill's fantastically heavey drumming and equally fantastic haircut, captivated the crowd from Goldigers
very first song and although at times his agressive style sounded out of place, it was undoubtedly worth it. His bandmates
all did their part to contribute to the bands overall sound, but with little energy, save the odd jump from the annoyingly
charasmatic (and surprisingly tall) Andre, whose vocals fitted well with songs and sounded confident and tuneful throughout.
Their set coming to an end, Goldigger finished with a glorious display of arrogant punk defiance, exiting the stage in a
flurry, guitars whistling and wierd feedback sounds emanating from an interesting looking box besides the drumkit. No doubt
people may have mixed opinions of Goldigger, but you have to respect them for their professional musicianship and daring
stage persona.
Strait Edge and Goldigger both went through to the final later this year.
Review by Joe Critchley