Filthy Visuals.

Islington O2 Academy, London. Thursday 13th February 2014.

All too often, many fledgling local bands rehearse and then sit around waiting for things to happen to them after posting a couple of videos on YouTube. Perhaps they are content just playing hometown gigs. Thankfully this accusation cannot be levelled at five piece Bedford alternative rockers FILTHY VISUALS . Tonight, courtesy of Feedme Music, they are playing upstairs at London's most prestigious Islington O2 Academy. That alone is something to shout about, but there is much more. Off their own backs they have booked a coach so that their fans have a chance to see, what will hopefully be, the Filthy's most memorable gig to date.

The band are, of course, no strangers to the capital. They played some low key gigs a couple of years ago as well as a 100 Club show last June. It's fair of me to say that 2013 was somewhat of an annus horribilis for these popular Bedford youngsters. However, towards the end of the year a positive corner was turned. A welcome slab of solidity seems to have stabilised things and the start of 2014 perhaps saw the last part of the jigsaw fit into place as the vacant second guitar slot was filled by Bujj. He has played in a number of local bands in the past few years, most latterly Avenge Me. What a night and what a venue for this affable lad to make his Visuals debut.

Wedged between three piece rockers Dead Set and four 'Soundgardenesque' exponents An Army Of One, stage times are prompt and Filthy Visuals are on at 9.20. The band, although obviously nervous, looked to be really pumped up for this, none more so than frontwoman Stef. She surveys the packed room before unleashing her loud opening greeting "How's everybody doin'?". The crowd answer her back and, with a mischievous grin, she replies "I can't f**kin' hear you!". She then launches the band into "Useful idiot" with a hearty "1-2-3-4". Without a pause they follow it up with "Cry baby". From the moment their instruments were picked up and plugged in, Filthy Visuals prove impossible to ignore, especially their hyperactive grind to "Hardball". This is fast and furious, dirty rock 'n' roll. The Bedford posse are all occupied at the front. Many dance wildly, while the more reticent nod their heads. On this musically male dominated evening, Stef uses her presence superbly. Her blonde bobbed hair glows like a superimposed halo under the bright spotlights. Her attire is monochrome, while the platform boots give considerable height advantage.

The interplay with guitarist Rich makes for good watching. The band seem to swell with justified pride when she enquires "How ya doin' London?". Her voice roars when it needs to; it is both savage and leonine. She bundles up her intensity into the eye of the sonic storm as dry thuds of kick snare and serrated guitar howls gush past her. Audience participation is further heightened on "Cupid stunt" as handclapping accompanies the song, which reminds a few old hands of X Ray Spex. Filthy Visuals do not waste a valuable second. There is an absorbing brutality and a drive to swim with the big fish. This show and exposure is to let the capital city know that they exist. The cover of "Somebody to love" is worthy of a mention. This sixties classic is systematically dismantled and repackaged in a fast and frenetic way. They finish with a brand new composition called "All I know" which, with fire in their fingers, is an instant vote winner. The band leave the Islington stage to well deserved cheers and applause. At all times this has been a defiant firm statement from a Bedford band. It is now time to board the bus for a happy journey home.