KARL PHILIPS AND THE MIDNIGHT RAMBLERS
with Poor Old Dogs.

Bedford Esquires Lev 1 Saturday 16th March 2013.

POD appeared at Esquires tonight! No, it wasn't Sonny Sandoval and his nu-metal cohorts, I'm referring instead to POOR OLD DOGS. It's an early Saturday evening and before arriving at Danny's Bar, I decided to visit a nearby town centre hostelry. It's six o'clock and it is packed, principally because the big Six Nations rugby international is being screened. Also taking up a fair degree of the pub are a few familiar faces not seen around these parts for a number of years. When I last encountered them (mainstage 26/12/08) they were a young band called The Ramblers. After relocating to Bristol they are now Poor Old Dogs.
The Esquires bar is busy for the 'homecoming' and I know it's going to be a lively night. POD have a simple mantra, they play folk music to stomp to. Although we are in the small confines of the bar, there is much dancing during the whole time, all at a jolly pace. Virtually the whole set is made up of their own compositions (they do play an old folk song called "Jack Hall"). The wide variety of material seems to be inspired by life in general. "Designated Weirdo" is indeed "about weirdos" states the tall and angular frontman Jack Francis. He commands his musical troops through an enjoyable hour and gives a detailed introduction to most of the songs. Resplendent in tartan trousers and Dr Marten boots, he constantly shouts out "babooshkin". Well it sounded like that, but the clarity of sound is not up to the usual standard tonight. The 'engineer' seems to be more preoccupied with socialising rather than actually getting the right levels. It is the only disappointing aspect of the evening. "Let the thieves" is "about estate agents", while "Sick of the sight of your face" is self-explanatory. Poor Old Dogs also sing out that as well as being their drummer "Boggy is a fishmonger"! Their eulogy to "pigeon racing" is genius as it comes complete with all the appropriate coo's to finish. A friend likens it to Vic and Bob with the Dove From Above. The band have recently recorded a four track EP called "Milkman". The title track is a cheeky risque song. It's Benny Hill's "Ernie" meets Kunt And The Gang! The five piece bring their raucous show to a close with their own customised version of the old standard "Goodnight Irene" which is turned into a rumbustious folk punk shindig. With the Poor Old Dogs arriving here in Bedford, they most certainly gave us a 'folking good night'!

Supporting tonight are regular Esquires favourites Karl Philips And The Midnight Ramblers. Of course we are used to seeing the band in their usual full on electric guise on the main stage. However, on this Danny's Bar debut they gave us something softer and completely different. After recently returning from a short tour of France, the boys seem confident and relaxed. It's a shock to see them seated (except the bass player), even KP is! He does eventually rise to his feet to perform "Peas in a pod", a song that is written and dedicated to a girl that he met. Fake crying ensues, which is also to be replicated on "Grandma song". The latter is a very unusual composition and contains expletives and laughter in equal measures. This stripped down acoustic show suits the band and old favourites "Okey Dokey" and "Strongbow" are reproduced excellently. A different side of KPATMR is seen and I hope it is repeated again in the future.