Captain Loveguns with Evil Scarecrow, Valentone and The Nimblewitts.

Bedford Civic Theatre Saturday 18th July 2009.

Quite a wise move to trawl the net further with regard to catching a wider age range and an attempt to net the Sunday session/Open mic. gig going people to these events THE NIMBLEWITTS added a solid oak folk rock mast to the captains ship, sailing towards an acoustic sound with drums and the very welcome inclusion of some amazing violin work from the lady in this three piece. I think because of the sheer difference from the other bands on the bill, it made a for an inspiring choice which worked. Although not as busier as it would get later the static nature of the performance seemed dwarfed on the big stage.

From the opening chord to the very end VALENTONE demonstrate a consistent high level of skilled musicianship and quality. The trouble is if you were to plot a line between those two points you would get a flat line, as usually displayed to represent a termination of life on a medical E.C.G. machine! There are no peaks or troughs no high points to their set, perhaps yet to write that looked forward to classic song that rises above their other material. Dont get me wrong, its all very talented, all very skilful, the guitarist is probably one of the best in Bedford, unfortunately the songs are all very samey as well. It seemed everyone in the room knew the time when they were playing they certainly all seemed to be looking at their watches! Having played a set on every Loveguns gig so far, now seem just an act tied on to the package deal.

I might have given this gig a miss as from previous experiences new what to expect and have to admit the inclusion of EVIL SCARECROW clinched the deal for me to get my ticket.
Boring, static, uninspiring and an inability to react with the crowd In no way sum this awesome spectacle of a band. What a fun act, a real showcase befitting the very verisimilitude of a theatre experience.
The ensemble consists of their blood splattered zombie bride on keyboards, producing some unsettling effects and tuneful elements to the music. A doom-laden Viking-clad bassist, adding to the atmosphere. A Stonehenge druid on guitars squirming around and diving off stage at every opportunity and a singer/guitarist who looks as though hes escaped from a cruel medical experiment ads to the gore fest imagery. Dont worry its all tongue firmly in cheek, just a stage persona who know how to entertain, delight and have fun with the audience whether it be Spinal Tap like brutal poses, unexpected covers Thundercats, Final Countdown etc, or the fabulous crowd engaging Robot Square in which both the bands guitar swings and audiences outstretched arms move in anthromorphic square salute. You wouldnt want to meet these in character on a dark night but on stage are a good fun visual spectacle not to be missed. Ive seen them 3 times now twice in Bedford and once in Northampton and they havent failed to entertain each time.

Confessional: Although I enjoyed the headline band immensely I have to confess I thought this Loveguns act was getting a bit stale. Just how much Pirates with private school accents churning out the same songs with cod acting can a person take? Their fun to make more than watch home film last time didnt really work and just seemed a self indulgent mess and the Best Of titled rehash of their previous gig just left me feeling Loveguns had sailed their final voyage.

Fortunately the show stopping spectacle of the previous band standard was fully maintained by CAPTAIN LOVEGUNS, with some brand spanking new songs, a story that I could actually follow this time (even their Christmas Carol story seemed unable to follow previously) and some new actors (that could actually act) injected in to the cast, - recognised from the Rare Productions youth theatre group both on stage and in the audience a much needed boost had now been refreshingly added. Pirate songs and a bewildering variety of new and old characters, with the fun loving drummers versatile rolls reminding me of the versatile fun loving rolls that comedian Matt Lucas does to good effect. The Captain now has a female rival captain creating a bit of a love interest and a quest for a key to treasure to tempt the Captain to regroup his crew.

An entertaining evening was had with talented singing, guitar work, comedy, drama, including some sword fighting swash buckle on the high seas. Nice one Captain.

Keith www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk