Dub Pistols, Kuenta I Tambu, Easydread.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Friday 18th March 2016.

Tonight on the main stage at Esquires, we bid a most warm welcome back to one of U.K.’s most successful underground bands, namely DUB PISTOLS. Their long career has spanned two decades, seven albums, countless line up changes and many many collaborations. From dub to hip hop, big beat to reggae and practically everything else in between. They brazenly defy any form of pigeonholing.

throughout their musical melange, founder member and main man Barry Ashworth has led his band through a most glorious renegade futuristic swank. Since they were last here in November 2013, they have recently unleashed and released another mighty album, which is called The Return Of The Pistoleros. It means that the folks who paid for a ticket and who made this a quite memorable packed out show, are in for a real treat. With his huge trademark shades, Barry instantly whips up his already animated crowd into a complete frenzy. When he furiously shouts out aloud “Who’s up for a fucking party?” it is loudly answered, but the master of the decks repeats his loaded question. By the look and sound of this audience, these do appear to be the Friday night thrillseekers, who are armed with a Rum and Coke close to hand. Tonight’s Dub Pistols highlights are far to nervous to mention, comprehensively a couple do come close together and it’s a chance to join in with singing their lyrics. The brass heavy sound is a major clue and then in total unison with Mr. Ashworth, we can all loudly shout out “You got me runnin in a cyclone, coma overdose and I’m in the zone” too right fella, we all are. This is closely followed by yet another of their anthemic dancing party anthems. “You will survive, you are alive.” This particular song is one of my favourites and is culled from the Dub Pistols 2012 album, Worshipping The Dollar. Mucky Weekend also falls into that category. A permanent reminder. Of how very easy it is to get into the merry go round, regular non stop weekend party vibe. It really is “ Oh no here we go again” cheers ring out, hands are slapped together, as the band not content with their long set carry on for an elongated encore, which finally halts at around twenty past midnight. Included in this, is a slice of Mariachi El Pistolero Pistols which features a riotous cover of Gangsters. They also served up a ‘mashed tun’ mix of Peaches, earlier on in their set. Wanted, finally brings the curtain down on their controlled ska chaos. Sweat drips from each and every person, as Dub Pistols sang earlier on in the evening, “They say it’s over, it aint over!” Certainly not, because these ska veterans will be entertaining another packed venue tomorrow night. Ol skool, new skool, this lot like to entertain, infectious enthusiasm and a whole lotta fun.

The perfect support and compliment arrives in from Amsterdam, they are called KUENTA I TAMBU and return to Esquires to perform in front of a huge crowd, something that eluded them last time. The atmosphere tonight could not be more different. They are an instant carnival party, with a male/female vocal duo to the fore, they immediately encourage everyone to “Make some noise.” After starting with Wawawawa and a remix of Cabaron, it’s the sound waves of Muchu Danki, complete with its catchy singalong which really gets the crowd moving. The song translates to ‘Thank You’ their bandname means in the traditional Caribbean language, ‘words and drums,’ drums is the operative word, as two massive kits sit either side of the stage. With the rave synths percolating a heady brew, they reach a zenith with Jackhammer. This is the composition that started it all back in 2013, with songs such as Mi Keura, they tell of the struggles the slaves endured back in the former Dutch colony of Curacao. Its history as well as music. Its strange how these bygone work songs can now make for such a rhythmic joy. Kuenta I Tambu are more than a little excited to reveal that Don’t Wanna Behave is their brand new single. Bizarrely they ask everybody to disrobe, “Take off your slippers, take off your bra!” It’s a track they have recorded with Typhoon. It’s a full on rave generated self proclaimed reggae brakes jungle mash up.
They finish off in great style with Waya Waya. A fun filled furious set from such lovely people.

EASYDREAD are a Bedfordshire based seven piece light ska reggae ensemble. A variety of instruments come in to play, guitars, keyboards and three coatings of brass. With a couple of contrasting vocalists, this collective offer their own musical food for thought, especially its recipe, “Be kind be wise be mindful.” With influences simmering their way through most of the set, their ‘Upbeat One’ has a faint whiff of Monkey Man. Humour plays a strong part of the Easydread musical message, none more so than when a flashing blue light is placed upon the singing trumpeters head. The full effect of the band occurs when they perform a song brilliantly entitled This Town Is Full Of Scrotes!!! I wonder where that could be?

Review by Martin Stapleton.