The Faction,
with Between The Lines, Goodnight Venice and The Goliath Theory.




Holy Molys Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. Friday 1st September 2017.



Some of the freshest local music talent was on display in room 2 of Bedford Esquires; this was when Bedford Alternative Music (BAM) presented a ‘Class indie rock night’. Turnout for this gig was huge and with just a five pound entry fee, value for money was guaranteed. It was an evening to say a few hellos and goodbyes to some well known local musicians. A virtual gargantuan blast of heavy sounds courtesy of The goliath Theory, opened the evening’s entertainment. Infact many genres and styles are box ticked by this trio.

They play many songs from last years Family Ties EP. A quite superb performance of Don’t Let My River Run Cold captures my attention. Emotive and classy it keeps hold and never let’s go. Also of worthy note is Stained Carpets. Angsty vocals, such as when vocalist Roger screams out “Banging my head against the wall” makes for a solid changeling listen. This is an excellent set, ambitious, inventive and eloquent, wild complex guitar work and pounding drums often take a time out, especially on the almost alternative country songs that pop up from time to time. They also perform the song of the night for the first time in memory of Esquires gigs, a band play a composition about an athlete! Not an ordinary one though, as it’s called Usain Bolt. The gold medallist from Jamaka is afforded a fantastic tribute to his legendary exploits on the track “You’re a Fast Runner” they eulogise. It’s a rip roaring firecracker of a tune that speeds along almost as fast as Mr Bolt! In recognition of his homeland in the Caribbean, they even include a quirky reggae break.

(Click here for The Goliath Theory Video)



Making a return to the active music stage are four musicians who call themselves Goodnight Venice. Fans of the Bedford music scene over the past decade will readily recognise their faces. Quality is assured when these fellas pick up their equipment and step on stage. A strong start occurs with Never Far. Its very retro late seventies Clash in parts and a keen pulsating riff courses through it. Spiky and edgy in equal parts, as all the band combine to lend a hand to vocal duties. They radiate a cool inner confidence. The gritty rocker called Honesty contains some heart on sleeve lyrics allied to some fist pumping in the air bravado. Always hitting a nerve, striking a chord and pleasing their many assembled fans. It’s pure and passionate.

Runaways is instantly a singalong, while Fall Apart gains from its vocal harmonies, their final offering Friend Like You is akin to Paul Weller fronting Green Day! A good song, but it’s a pity that an American city was namechecked on it rather than a British one. That and the two tiresome covers are my only real gripes about the debut gig of Goodnight Venice. A special mention must go to band member Jimmy. In the morning he and his wife are catching a taxi at 6.15 to leave for their honeymoon in Sardinia. My best wishes to them both.

(Click here for Goodnight Venice Video)



Between The Lines followed with an array of pop punk tunes. Heavily influenced by Blink 182, of which their drummer proudly wears the T shirt. This is a genre of music I always struggle to enjoy and tonight is certainly no exception. With Britain gripped by Brexit, money struggles and potential nuclear war, its amazing to me that these breezy fun loving pop punks find that life is so bleeding wonderful! Indeed, their vocalist possesses a smile which could advertise any brand of toothpaste. He also has a very wavy, out of control arm, which is quite mesmerising to watch. There are thankfully some light hearted moments, which add some welcome shades of brevity to counterbalance the heartfelt rumble and chug of songs such as Next To Me or Guide Me Home. Although I find the set grating and repetitive, Between The Lines to their credit, present their show with boundless energy and enthusiasm. They should be immensely proud of that.

(Click here for Between The Lines Video)



Tonight we bid farewell to The Faction. Due to university, this might be the end of something but its also a huge night of celebration. It’s a look back at the many good times they have collectively shared. Sadly, they perform tonight as a trio, because lead guitarist Rowan is away on holiday. Their many friends and family are here tonight which makes for a special atmosphere. Five Times deserves a lot of credit and is emotionally introduced. It contains a fantastic riff which instantly lodged in my head.

Angular grooves dominate the set. Considering they are a player down, there is a dramatic ebb and flow to their songs. The Faction mix melody and musical muscle in equal measure and supremely serve up the results with a good natured sense of intensity. They constantly launch a series of thrill seeking musical missiles at every given opportunity. For a volley of variation, their vocalist Dane performs a beautiful acoustic composition entitled Plastic City “It’s where I want to stay”, he reflectively croons, and it’s about the next three years and what it will ultimately bring. A song so personal to the writer, poignantly and sweetly performed. As the set drains to a close and the noise and excitement ramps up a notch, I notice a fella with somebody on his shoulders. I reflect that The Faction has meant something to a lot of people. I wish the lads every success in the future. A special round of applause must go to keeef of BAM who organised such a cracking night of live music.



(Click here for The Faction Video)


(Click here for The Faction Video)


(Click here for The Faction Video)



Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk