The Next Nine Years, Bent Like Bob,
Facade, The Return, Under Foreign Order.
Esquires Level 2 Bedford. Friday 29th
July 05.
Review One
Under Foreign Order (c)www.bedfordmetal.co.uk Bent Like Bob (c)www.bedfordmetal.co.uk Review Two
From the Langford area Under Foreign Order and
their second to last gig before disbanding, quite a shame in fact, as they are
talented enough musicians and have some really good intelligent slightly
avant-garde material. Its quite clever stuff actually, although probably not for
the younger sunny delight generation who would prefer music more geared to
jumping up and down to, but with a bit more polish and experience added, they
would do well. Their lead singer stayed off stage during the start of the
opening track this time, giving the rest of the band a chance to shine while the
rest of the band started with their instrumental opening, which I think made
quite a good effect. Their vocals are quite laid back while moving round the
stage to the effects pedal laden sound. Not their best performance but the
diverse and individual styles still came over and it was glad to see they had a
busy up front audience to play to.
From not far south of Bedford, Faade made me
think the nights bands were just getting heavier in their sound, - not a bad
thing at all, the bands seemed to be getting better and livelier but I couldn't
help thinking these came over as bland and not so memorable. Sure enough good
guitar work but I think I would like to see these again before committing myself
to becoming a fan. Perhaps they need to add more to their stage act - or perhaps
I need to pay more attention!, as it all sort of sounded the same after a while,
like screaming emo knows how to and can.
I had almost forgotten there were 5 acts on tonight and thought Bent
Like Bob were actually headlining when they came on next. Their front man
detonated him self on stage like an on stage suicide bombers ruck sack, getting
through a mixture of new and C.D. released material, I'm not sure the talking
part of the lyrics work live at gigs but the material standard is still high.
Even with out their front man the rest prove to be a combo of talent with their
pinked strapped guitarist intricately picking some good riffs effective bass and
a drummer that takes to the drums as Harpo Marks took to his harp, splashing out
to hit drums with out even needing to look. A band that can just as well
entertain with instrumentals all night but having the added icing on the cake of
an engaging front man that can rage against the sound of known bands and adopt
their own style at the same time.
Keith - www.bedfordmetal.co.uk
When Under Foreign Order walked on stage and began
to play, I wasn't particularly impressed; to me they appeared nervous, and not
particularly well practised. But I was clearly wrong, first it was one of their
guitarists; he started busting out some pretty impressive riffs, and was clearly
very into the performance, soon after, the rest of the musicians appealed more
and more to me.
After a very long instrumental intro, the singer appeared on stage; he oozed
with confidence and style, singing his way though quite a long set for the
opening band on a 5-band event. This was most defiantly not a bad thing. They
were a very interesting and original young band. Unfortunately they are
splitting up, I was disappointed when I heard this, as I hoped to hear them
again.
I'm sure that while they were together, most people would agree with me in
saying they were a credit to the 'local' music scene.
The next band were The Return, I did not like this
band very much. They were clearly well practised, and talented, but just didn't
appeal to me. Very simple, one toned, and possibly boringI think that maybe
the majority of the crowd reflected this, as they were mainly away from the
dance floor. Sorry guys, but you're just not my thing.
When I noticed that one of the member's of the next band was wearing a Sonic
Youth tee-shirt I knew we were in for a treat, and were we! This band in my eyes
had every thing, screaming, melodic singing, powerful guitar, strong drums, and
prominent bass. I wanted this band to go on for ever, they were really, really
good.
They played with a lot on confidence, considering the majority of the crowd were
new to the Facade experience. I feel they excelled
in their musical field, giving me and a lot of the crowd a lot of pleasure to
watch. Out of the bands that had played so far they were easily the best, and
were also one of the best I had heard for a long time.
Now, what can I say; anyone who hasn't yet seen Bent like
Bob live is seriously missing out. They are one of the finest live
performers in Bedford at the moment, possibly on a par with the likes of
Summerfall. Don't be fooled by the slightly 'kiddie' name, this band may be
young, but they are most defiantly not amateurish. I have followed them ever
since I saw them for the first time in Danny's bar back in November of 2004.
They have defiantly improved dramatically since then. Moving from a very 'Rage
against the Machine' sound, to a much more post hardcore, possibly even emo
sound, but still keeping their Rage edge. I love this band, and was itching for
them to come on stage. And when they did I nearly died, they played a new song
(Practise makes Perfect) as their opener, and I was blown away by the power it
carried. Mischa (vox) has such power over the audience, in the time of their
set, his word is their command. Woody and George (Bass and Guitar) were
absolutely amazing, George busted out some incredible riffs, especially the
opening one to You don't Know How, which had an 'ear-piercing' edge that worked
so well live, and also sounds amazing on their EP: Assisted Assault. Woody
always impresses me with his clear and intricate bass work. Jack (Drums) with
the look of a sheep, which really doesn't matter when he can play drums so
wonderfully well. I think it may be possible for him to entertain an Esquire's
crowd completely on his own. Beauty in the form of a drum beat. If you have the
chance, see this band!
The Next Nine Years - I had heard of this band a
few months before the gig, and was desperate to buy their EP, as you are only
able to download one track off their myspace (www.myspace.com.thenextnineyears).
When I got home and put it in my CD player I wasn't disappointed, they sound
nearly as good on CD as they do live. Their live performance was the most
beautiful thing I have seen at Esquires for a long time. Their set made use of
two singers, which I always find impressive. Each member of the band played
wonderfully. Esquires should be proud that they graced us with their presence
for so long, and pray that they come back one day.
Review by Stark - www.bedfordmetal.co.uk
REVIEWED THREE MARTIN STAPLETON (Esquires Web)
Tonight at a near full venue we witness five young and extremely exuberant bands.
Opening up are UNDER FOREIGN ORDER who play a sparky twenty-five minute set. Their angst ridden lead singer vented his spleen with real feeling and although this five piece initially appeared slightly nervous, they soon got the crowd jumping!
Swindon may not be at the forefront of the British Music scene (What about XTC? - Eighties Ed) but having witnessed THE RETURN tonight, that may soon all change. Making their debut at Esquires this was a good as performance as you could wish to see. Taking their influences from Nirvana, The Strokes and The Libertines, The Return play British rock that spans the ages - from the Kinks to Bloc Party. Their high octane set, highlights of which included the songs 'Fire' and '10.4', made for a highly enjoyable thirty minutes and I for one hope see we see a return to Esquires of The Return - top effort!
In light of The Return's set, The Facade suffered in comparison. They appeared to be a very tight and competent band, and a large section of the audience appeared to be enthralled, but they didn't really do it for me.
2005 has seen a bumper crop of new local bands that have emerged phoenix like from a previous moribund music scene. Tonight it is the turn of BENT LIKE BOB, riding high on the wave of their sensational new mini-Album, 'Assisted Assault'. These are exciting times for them and their performance tonight demonstrates why. As well as old favourites, the boys showed that their rich vein of song writing form shows no sign of abating with some exciting new songs. This was a great set which had the crowd moshing like there was no tomorrow.
Music is swiftly becoming Wales' greatest export, and following in the footsteps of Jones, Church, The Manics and The Super Furry Animals, we have THE NEXT NINE YEARS. Their set featured heartfelt and tender lyrics delivered with almost bone crushing force, the tracks 'Sinister Writings' and 'Prophecies in the past tense' being brutal examples of their craft. It may have been a long drive home for the band, but they left with the applause of an appreciative Bedford audience ringing in their ears.