Bedford Alternative Music Presents: Crimson Dream, Ascension, Kain, The Sassy Judys (Steevee Dee's Birthday Bash).

Bedford Esquires Lev 2. Friday 18th June 2010.

(Poster by Ricky Chambers)

Photos and Videos (c)Bedford Alternative Music 2010.

REVIEW ONE BY keith.

Not having seen THE SASSY JUDYS before I wasnt expecting such a well practiced tightly played act. They seem to have struck just the right balance of rock out tunes without gripping too tight on the heavy scale. The collective series of current songs seemed a bit samey, but Im sure with time they have the potential to develop more songs with a more varied style. Instrument playing ability was top notch with emphasis put in to their visual look also. Their tall girrafic mopped topped guitarist and peaked hat wearing bassist throwing angular poses throughout while playing. I was prepared to just give this relatively new band a chance but was surprised at the high level of their performance from this fun loving band evident from both their playing and support of other bands on the bill.

KAIN are a band that wouldnt know how to give a second rate performance if they tried! Serious strength and precision to the drumming and a front-man who was probably the most full throttle and passionately sung vocalist of the evening, emotionally bobbing round the stage, making you thing he really believes wholeheartedly what he is singing about. With occasional bouts of Whats the score to anyone who had been downstairs to watch the sorry state of the evenings football and further audience interaction making Kain an act that openly engages with their audience to good effect. Excellent drumming and guitar work adds charge to their energy fuelled rock with balls anthems.

Heaviest band of the night DTA favourites ASCENSION were the self chosen band of the Birthday boy whose gig this was in benefit for. With a strong fan base ranging both Luton and Bedford the cool guys of Ascension took the energy a step higher. Now hard to believe how strained, subdued and awkward on stage looking singer used to be, he has now come on with experience and confidence giving a proper front man spectacle with wide gesturing theatrical throws of movement and harshly sung vocal styles, sometimes interspaced with talking parts which I think should be dropped from their style.
With the energy drinks kicked in, their No Epic Shit (see his T-shirt) bassist put a trouser ripping performance (see his trousers) Seemingly not just heavy for heavy sake but by no means the newest thing in local music, still capturing a much better than average ability from their drummer and guitarists make this band one of the more charm laden charismatic of performances for the heavier music discerning crowd.

Happy Birthday Stevee Dee CRIMSON DREAM is the headlining band of the singer bassist Birthday boy, clad in shiny crimson trousers with pink fluffy leggings and looking more of a showman than Ozzy Osborne himself. It would be a bit of a laugh then if his bass skills; singing ability along with the rest of the band hadnt improved since their premier gigs. Its good to report then that this is a band that has come on in leaps and bounds. Not hard to believe when you know Steve is influenced by one of the best bassists in England (Mr. Steve Harris of Iron Maiden) Maiden songs formed the main bulk of the disco between bands but the best Maiden treat was yet to come.
Keyboards adds an atmospheric class to the bands songs and you may recognise their drummer who was also on bass duties for the opening band. The main guitarist of this band is an asset by being particularly good, with Im afraid too many bands sounding like Ascension, Crimson adds up to create a remarkably fresher sound on the local music scene.
Special guest and drummer lookalike Mr. Matt Young was summoned up stage to rendition a cover (Kiss?) which he sang remarkably well, despite not being self assured enough to know if he knew all the lyrics, - despite being put on the spot, he did a sterling performance!
New self written songs and unbefore played covers lead me to believe Crimson Dream are not getting stale, but like a fine wine improving with age. When I thought their set had finished (quite lacklustrely) the night was highlighted when they were allowed to play on with a new cover choice of the song Iron Maiden ending with a cheeky stage invasion of phantom cream plated flan flingers aimed at the Birthday boys face and head to end the fun intended entertaining set.

REVIEW TWO BY Martin Stapleton.

It's a fact! World Cup football has taken over Esquires. It's reached fever tonight as England are pitting their footballing skills against their counterparts Algeria. To complement this nationalistic fervour, Bedford Alternative Music has brought us an evening of live music which, as is their style, veers more towards the heavy side. Opening, and offering a sleaze rock shout, are THE SASSY JUDYS who hail from the concrete jungle that is Milton Keynes. This quartet comprise Callum 'C-Davy' Mangold-Jackson (guitarist, lead vocals), James Terrill (guitar), James Garvey (drums) and bassist/mentalist Arron 'Topper' Ramone. Combining all of their differing musical backgrounds, the lads have moulded a sound from a variety of influences, namely punk, metal and even a sixties theme courtesy of The Rolling Stones (they cover "Jumping Jack Flash"). The Sassy Judys are new to Esquires and have started work on their debut EP, which they hope to have completed by mid summer. Their set is competent, if a little unspectacular. A couple of songs do stand out. "Vultures" is a classic rock commandment, fully loaded with 'widdly' guitar solos which they produce in abundance. Also of note is "Love and madness".

KAIN return! Obviously the seasoned 'pros' amongst the young musical pups. They acknowledge that there is a football match of importance being played out. Vocalist Ralph asks repeatedly "Have we scored yet?" (the game ends 0-0). This cocksure frontman has his own statement of intent prior to "Faithless"; "Revenge is the only thing worth waiting for"! Ah Ralph, such words of wisdom spoken from the heart. Indeed, on a night such as this when the heavy sounds can blend into one distended noise level, the vocals can become the filter test. The key to, if not the originality, then the bands' personality. On these grounds Kain score highly. Oh yes, they brought the biggest suitcase of tunes to the party. This quartet of desperadoes are solid and dependable, but seem to be totally alien to the younger elements gathered here tonight. The set, although short, has a raw sound. The PA has to be fully sympathetic to their all-encompassing rock ideas to produce a full and bludgeoning reality. "SWNN" is relatively new and is about loving someone a little too much. The lads are angling for epic soaring rock, achieved to some degree by "The Dog God", described loosely as being about Big Brother! Ralph enquires "anybody been watching it?". With the football reaching underwhelming proportions, Ralph concedes "it's all over bar the shouting" as the band play out with "Know".

A favourite local band of mine are ASCENSION, who continue to stimulate my musical senses. They set the pulses racing with a tight and furious set, full of awesome vocals, guitar driven metal and backed by some seriously wicked drum beats. Mikey, although small in stature, is a 'raging growler', munching on wood splinters no doubt! This is a young band who combine some uncompromised brutality with genuine melody and feeling. Its a spirited racket that, at times, reaches a sonic cacophony. They explode with suitably violent concision. In fact, the live shows are both crushing and entertaining.

Please everybody, blow your vuvuzela bacause it's Stevie D's birthday and his band CRIMSON DREAM are headlining. His indulgence is high as he dons shiny, tight red trousers and yeti boots (perhaps they were presents?). Oh really! Birthday or not, this band do test my patience to the very limit. A five piece with keyboards, their opening song is a deadly piece called "The Edge of Darkness". "The Vocals Inside" is of similar ilk. With mediocrity rearing it's inevitable head, a welcome guest steps on stage to give his personalised birthday present. It's Matt "HeKz" Young. This is a welcome addition and his vocal range is a joy to behold. It makes up for the rest of the set. The phony shouts for some ersatz rabble rousing are slightly tiresome, but we will give them the birthday benefit of the doubt. The finale is pure Tiswas (old TV programme) circa 1982 as it ends with a very messy flan fight, of which Stevie D is the main target.