'Mash and Tay Presents:
Last Man Standing, with Helminthian, Sirenide, Scratchplate, 91 Pieces, and
Rench.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2.
Friday 12th January 2007.
Review 1 Keith. www.bedfordmetal.co.uk Review 2 Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordesquires.co.uk
Not many people had heard of the first band, but it was a cool gesture to
include RENCH on the bill. In 'Bedford Metal' style
adding well known local bands with giving fresh new bands a start.
One of the reasons they were chosen for this gig interestingly enough was
because, members of Wrench were the first band Last Man Standing played with in
Clophill Village Hall!
I didn't think anything particularly stood out and perhaps not the most
memorable of bands; well played nonetheless and always good to see something
new.
Enthusiasm, dedication, ambition and a sheer need to be on stage eclipses any
musical verve, - 91 PIECES. The thing I like most
about this band is that they are not attempting to be yet another Bedford pop
punk band, but prefer to aim for a more old traditional punk sound style, with a
'we don't care what we sound like' approach, its good that the lyrics are not
repetitive or too formulaic and shows talent in that direction even if his
singing isn't that great. O.K. its punk so I don't expect any intricate guitar
solos but if the guitarist could minimise the time with his back to the audience
would improve the on stage presence, - we should get the audience to shout
"we're over here" next time. The Sex Pistols cover was a welcome
inclusion to their set and went down well with the crowd. First time upstairs
for this band and put on quite a good show. A lot of people in the crowd were
saying that they are wondering if 91 Pieces realize that their guitars were
actually 'Out of tune!'
With a new C.D. fresh out SCRATCHPLATE took to the
stage next, isn't it bad luck to still have Christmas decorations up after
twelfth night? Tinsel adorning the front man's guitar, a consummate showman at
home fronting the stage, demonstrating his guitar skills and producing a very
classy rock sound. They all stand out as extremely good musicians, incorporating
talented instrumentation over singing attempt. Well suited to the outstanding
party vibe to the nights proceedings, a band waiting in the wings to outlive the
AC/DC, Guns n Roses leanings and let a more origional Scratchplate sound flow
through, dropping their well worn oldies for fresh, more mature material will
only improve their potential, along with their talent that this reviewer knows
full well that they all have!
SIRENIDE was the band that stood out over all the
others, a well-practiced polished professional band making it look as though the
other bands were just there to perform in front of their friends.
With some line-up changes and newer material this pure class act made way for
some great, well played sounds, they look good too! With some gorgeous girls up
front oozing sex appeal, energy and drive., putting everything in to a wide
appealing sound.
Back to the party crowd delights now with what looked like from HELMINTHIAN
a well-played, good performance for them. This gig seemed to go really well for
them, they have gained plenty of live experience now from their gigs at the Ath.
having gone through their heats at the recent Bedford Metal battle Of The Bands
competitions. Its so good to see them progress here at Esquires.
It seemed a total waste of space having a keyboard on stage when all its use was
a quick tinkle at the beginning. I think Helminthian should either write new
material especially incorporating the instrument or throw it out. The moody bass
and sheer atmosphere of the excellent twin guitar attack can more than add an
extra dimension with out the use of unnecessary implements. Their front man was
on top form for this gig, I'm not going to mention the singing - its just
growling but its good that he a bit of a show man and looking as if in full
command on stage.
At some point between bands for no explainable reason, band member, sound
engineer and promoter of the night - Mash dashed round the stage in just his
boxers. For the last LAST MAN STANDING gig however,
he wore his traditional black & white ska motif. Black n white trainers,
shirt etc., but more colourful guitar work, one of Bedford's most party rousing
bands, - same covers every time my only complaint, they just seem to pick up the
entire room, hold them in the grasp of their hands and shake them around until
your partied out at every gig they do; with some tough, no nonsense vocals and
some quite brilliant skippy drumming adding to the party vibe, which sadly was
their last gig while their guitarist leaves his well caring friends to venture
to a different country. (Good Luck mate!)
Review by keith.
Live music returned to the Level 2 stage tonight with the reappearance (and possible farewell?) of the popular young four piece LAST MAN STANDING, who are performing here for the first time since last June after which time the band splintered in different directions. In front of a capacity crown they and their guests are a perfect tonic for the January blues. In fact, it is a hectic night for LMS guitarist Mash who, we well as playing, is also co-promoter and assistant Sound Engineer! Busy lad...
The predominant sound of Last Man Standing as always proved to be the jumping ska beat which they display in opening song 'Kicking Pigeons'. Thankfully no RSPCA officials are present to witness this exuberate singalong (Shouldn't that be RSPB officials? - Ed) which the boys also reprise for an encore. They keep the impetus going throughout their elongated twelve song set. A real lesson is staying power allied to their usual (and at times cheeky) style, which even features a little rap from Mash to change the mood!
Supporting and displaying plenty of 'teen spirit' are, in reverse order, HELMINTHIAN who exude tons of ire. This five piece metal band have their foot firmly on the accelerator pedal and they power out some heavy tunes. With an imaginative and unusual opening the rest of the set is strong and forcibly performed. It is most definitely to be filed under 'not for the faint hearted'! Their supporters simply worshipped all of Helminthians sweat.
SIRENIDE are a band I have consistently eulogised and as per usual their display tonight is pristinely polished playing with a buoyant attack and a gloss sheen of professionalism. There was simply such a freeflowing creative edge to their collection of songs.
Tonight's gig also featured SCRATCHPLATE, whose charismatic frontman Robbie Miller exudes such total confidence with his and the bands performance. With their 'Lovestruck' EP to flog as well, a certain Del-Boy Trotter could not have done better.
Two young local bands opened the evening. Making their debut performance was RENCH, consisting of Andy Green (bass), Mitch Rayner (vocals / guitar), Rozzy (guitar / vocals) and Tom Graham (drums). A competent and enjoyable set which featured a classy guitar solo in 'Act Your Age' and a perfect 'Miss Perfect' to close with.
Except for a diabolically awful sub-karaoke version of 'God Save the Queen', three piece punks 91 PIECES seem to be gaining some stage confidence. These smiling punks hit the mark with 'Asbo' which they spat out with a fair degree of menace. A heartening display capping a top evening and for just four quid the night was certainly good value for money.