Lyger, Dolomite Minor, The Blue Book Project.

Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Saturday 2nd November 2013.

What a truly cracking night of live music we witnessed on the main stage. They absolutely played their collective hearts out as well as sweating bucketloads for the cause. Unfortunately, very few people were here to see and hear this glorious noise. Put simply and bluntly, the turnout for this Pad Presents gig is abysmal and so utterly embarrassing to the two touring headline bands. This is why small venues are struggling and ultimately closing. Bands have to start somewhere and must be supported better than they were tonight.

First up to the mics are local act THE BLUE BOOK PROJECT . They probably ought to be a little careful about over exposure at Esquires (this is their 4th appearance in a matter of weeks), although this is surely their most high profile gig to date. As I have mentioned before, this is a band that I enjoy watching. A crate load of good songs encased in a polished stage performance. Because of the set up for the following band, the drumkit is situated to the front left of stage. The lads appear to look slightly cramped but it doesn't handicap their style or show. Tight and professional, once again banal chatter is left in the changing room. They just reference song titles and the occasional "cheers". This makes sure that The Blue Book Project can purely concentrate on their wonderful tunes, such as "Joanna" and "Hurricane blues" amongst many.

DOLOMITE MINOR are a two piece from Southampton, probably best described as a stoner blues rock version of Drenge. After impressing me at the Ash gig at Bedford Corn Exchange back in July, they again blow me away in these more intimate surroundings. They say little (same as last time) except for a friendly "How's it goin?". They must be disappointed to be playing in front of such few people, but they proceeded to spank the ears of true muso's in attendance. The small crowd certainly play their part as all eyes are fixated on the duo and there is loud applause at the end. They are soaking up the vibes and enjoying the sounds. Vocalist and guitarist Joe Grimshaw, with his long lank hair, reminds me of a junior J Mascis. With some heavy grunge infusion, they are very like TAD in parts. I feel that one song title sums up the Dolomite Minor mantra. It's called "Hypnotise". As the set concludes, the drummer throws his sticks away (hopefully not in disgust at crowd numbers), leaving the guitarist to finish with a short solo burst.

Surprisingly (well for me and a few other people as well), LYGER are headlining tonight. This is a band that I have never heard of and information is limited. They are currently on tour with Dolomite Minor and hail from Ealing. They purvey heavy indie rock with pop overtones. All the trio sing which makes for good harmonies. At times reminiscent of early Muse without the high pitched vocals. They have a lively stage persona and seem to have a running joke with their tour mates as they dedicate both "Someone else" and "Skinned alive" to Dolomite Minor. They did get the giggles the second time round. I suppose some people could be critical that this band aren't edgy or dark enough, perhaps even predictable. However, I was impressed enough to buy their single cassette called "Stroke" which they performed with aplomb. Although it was low-key crowdwise, a pure high octane rock blast ruled the stage.