The Dilenquents, Slut Drop, Verny Lee.

Dannys Bar & Holy Molys Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. Saturday 18th April 2015.

As the large supermarkets Tesco and Sainsburys have recently discovered to their cost, and more seriously their profit and share price, people today are becoming increasingly selective about how they spend their hard earned cash. They are always on the look out for a bargain. The leisure industry is also in the same position and Esquires is certainly no different as it tries to offer good value for money with its regular shows. It was definitely the case this evening as they presented two gigs and, importantly for the punters, there was free admission to both. Three bands are hosted in Holy Moly's and three acts appear in the bar. The latter is where I am based for the most part of the night. The turnout justifies the ticket 'price' as it is extremely busy. The atmosphere is as good as I can remember it for a long time and there are many faces that we have not seen for a while and stay long after the bands have finished.

Opening up in the bar is Liam Vernon AKA VERNY LEE . This popular fella is rarely seen performing here now, but it is always a pleasure to be in his company. Large of frame, he wears a flat cap and hoodie. His denim jeans are faded but the brown Dr Martens are gleaming. Just as he first did some ten years ago, Verny tells us of "the heinous crimes, 200 years ago" committed by people who were then sent to "Botany Bay". Anyone who has seen Verny before will know just what to expect with his covers set list. He jinks quickly from traditional Irish to Cocksparrer's "England belongs to me"! He does offer a local slant by announcing "This is a song about Bedford. It's called Dirty Old Town".

SLUT DROP are a five piece "from Essex". For a punk band they do wear some predominantly bright clothing. They also have a 'man in a vest' whom my friend comments looked like a fat James Hetfield. Their brand of punk is cleancut and inoffensive with a pop slant. Their stage persona is lively and energetic. They have a good local connection and even dedicate "Bite my tongue" to Jon Tendon, even in Essex he is known as "a legend". They win more Bedford fans by handing out free copies of their EP before they headed back to Dagenham.

With stage times slightly staggered between the two venues, I found myself having enough time to catch a few songs by The DOGHOUSE ROSES . Thankfully they are performing as a quartet which I always feel suits them so much better. They are on top form and this show is as support to their good pals from Biggleswade, TEQUILLA MOCKINGBIRD , who are making their long awaited live comeback in Bedford. With "The losing kind" earning a loud response from the audience, this alternative country infused amalgam threw us their collective mantra, they truly are "The sons of liberty". This is where, coincidentally, "the best things in life are free". For fans with a longer memory, vocalist Sean recounts the time a few years ago when he "fronted a rock band" as they perform Wolf Law's "Swingin' the bottle".

Back in the bar and playing at Esquires for the first time since their memorable 2014 New Year's show are THE DILENQUENTS . After originally forming as a trio a decade ago, they have switched effortlessly to being a regular five piece. It certainly suits their horror punk sound. The older songs still sound as fresh and their stage presence is always worthy of note. However, the undoubted highlight arrives halfway through when they are joined by one of the most recognisable and nicest people on the local music scene, namely Jon Bately from The Tendons. Originally the band were due to perform this evening, but unfortunately due to family circumstances this was denied. Thankfully this super 'supergroup' were more than able to sate the desires of many of us, especially with a most stunning version of "Famine". Definitely the zenith of a most entertaining evening. It was a night that I can only describe as one of those special old fashioned Esquires gigs, full of local bands and people producing some cutting edge music. The joy of meeting so many familiar faces throughout the night was, for me, the icing on this musical cake. One to remember.

Review by Martin Stapleton.