'BOY KILL BOY with SNIPER and
AMANABOUTADOG'.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2.
Sunday 26th February 2006.
By Tysoe.
Amanaboutadog, a female fronted, 4-piece band from
Stevenage were the first act of the night. The guitarist especially stood out to
me playing in a very individual style he gave the songs an edge, which made the
band a joy to listen to. A mixture of Indie, Jazz and rock-pop could be heard
throughout the set, which was varied and well played. They lacked any sort of
energy however and the crowd could not be blamed for loosing interest. The
vocals were well sung and the songs were catchy and upbeat. I especially enjoyed
the track entitled Heat in Hong Kong. The majority of the crowd didn't seem
interested though amanaboutadog made for a nice kick-start to the evening. They
can be found at www.myspace.com/amanaboutadog
Sniper were the next act on stage and with 2
guitarists, 1 bassist, 1 drummer and a singer it was a tight fit to get them all
on the stage. They immediately picked up the tempo and burst into their set. A
much rockier affair then the previous band and maybe a little more experience
shone through as they jumped and danced around each other trying to get the
crowd going. They had a strong sound aided by both the guitarist and the front
man singing vocals throughout the set. The front man also pulled out a harmonica
from time to time, which complimented the rockier songs well. If I was to
criticize anything about the band it would be that they don't stand out amongst
the sea of rock bands doing the rounds and they could do with a more unique
sound to them.
Boy Kill Boy, who this week made their chart debut
at number 26 with the single Back Again, were about to grace the stage. With
radio play and TV appearances under their belt they had a strong following with
them who were expecting a top-drawer performance. Needless to say that is
exactly what we were treated to. This was a band that you could tell were set
for bigger and greater things and I would be surprised if a small venue like
this would be able to secure this band in 6 months time. Boy Kill Boy are one of
those bands you can go and enjoy even if you only know 1 or 2 of their songs.
The unique sound of Chris Peck's voice combined with hugely catchy guitar riffs,
keep you hooked for the whole set. They play with a great energy which makes Boy
Kill Boy not only a joy to hear, but also entertaining to watch. They look like
your typical Indie band in posh suits and classic rocker long hair however they
have a sound all of their own. A combination of Kaiser Chiefs and Muse is how I
would best describe the sound, using both melodic tunes mixed with passionately
sung vocals they will keep you screaming for more until the end of the night.
They finished the set with a track from their new album, which is set for
release in May. Boy Kill Boy are another band which could have a big impact on
the music scene in 2006 and I look forward to hearing more from them in the
summer. www.boykillboy.com
REVIEW TWO BY Martin Stapleton / Pictures by Suzy Cook.
Tonight was the final part of this week's Hairgel Trilogy, and my word, they certainly saved the best for last. It was the appearance of BOY KILL BOY that made this a sold out evening to remember. The buzz about them has been colossal, and more so since their single 'Back Again' hit the top 30 last week. When they play it tonight it almost brings the house down.
It is also pleasing to note just how polite and humble Boy Kill Boy are as they greet the audience, and they seem geniunely surprised to see such a turn out on a cold Sunday evening. Peter Carr tinkles the ivories, Kev Chase is bass man supreme and Shaz, the man with no surname, beats the skins. The focal point of Boy Kill Boy however is vocalist Chris Peck, who tonight is a dead ringer for Noel Fielding from cult comedy 'The Mighty Boosh'.
This East London quartet have developed in leaps and bounds since their previous vist to Esquires in November. Seeing them play then at a slightly embryonic stage was exciting, but tonight they are confident and powerful. Last year's single (and forthcoming re-release) 'Suzie' is awe inspiring tonight and with so many Northern guitar bands emerging in these exciting times, Boy Kill Boy are certainly fighting back for the 'Cockneys'.
I suppose tonight's gig might be considered a warm up for when they play old haunt Kings College London tomorrow night (27th) However, there are no such thoughts from the band - it's full on from start to finish with big tunes and tight grooves. The next stage for their developement is the release of their highly anticipated debut album in May, that will hopefully pave the way for a glittering future.
Boy Kill Boy Set List
? Killer, ? On and On , ? Suzie, ? Last of the..., ? Six Minutes, ? Ivy Parker, ? Cheaper, ? Back Again, ? Civil Sin, ? Shoot Me Down, ? On My Own.
The lucky bands supporting Boy Kill Boy are firstly AMANABOUTADOG, a ridiculously catchy name for an infectiously foot-tapping indie outfit. If I could name only one band that they remind me of, I would have to pick that wonderful group of the mid-nineties, Echobelly. Fronted by the cute and wonderfully voiced Claire, this four piece Hertfordshire band formed in July 2005. Opening with the goregous 'The Blues' they also take a trip into ska with 'Float Like A Feather'. The catchy 'Heat In Hong Kong' is reminiscent of Sleeper, another female fronted indie band from the mid 90's and the strength of their songs is underlined by the fact that their cover of The Cure's 'Fire in Cairo' does not sound out of place in their set. Hopefully we'll see more of Amanaboutadog very soon.
Another band making their debut here tonight are SNIPER, five immaculately turned out boys from Hitchin. Although they are new to us, their sweet sounds, nervous swagger and angelic yet biting vocals from Chilla endear them to us as though greeting old favourites. With beautiful moments such as 'Don't Throw It All Away' and 'Twenty Somethings', their punchy tunes are an absolute joy.
If I had to criticise one thing, I would suggest that they refrain from covering The Inspiral Carpet's classic cut, 'This Is How It Feels' in future! Fortunately they redeemed themselves by finishing off their set in grand style with 'Good Time Girl.
Review by Tysoe. www.bedfordmetal.co.uk Review Two Martin Stapleton.