Bedford Alternative Music Present: New Blood Showcase: Arcane, Metal Kettle, Kokopellies, Leon Bratt Acoustic.

Bedford Esquires Lev 1 Dannys Bar Thursday 27th September 2012.

Tonight Bedford Alternative Music hosted another of their occasional Thursday night showcase gigs here in Danny's Bar. Opening up the show is Leon Bratt . A few months ago this engaging artist played for us in Holy Moly's and the set was predominantly his own compositions. In a more relaxed environment that the bar offers, Leon concentrates on a more familiar (for the crowd) covers driven set. At present he is on a nationwide tour of the country and his last port of call was in Cornwall. It does seem by his appearance that his heart and soul are still there. His attire is so relaxed, stepping straight off the Lizard peninsular beach in his hat and shorts. Leon's repertoire is varied with songs such as "I'm Yours" (Mraz), "One love" (Marley) and "Three Little Birds" (Marley). The latter gets a collective crowd clap and singalong. Because of it's slightly different tempo, "Natty Man" gets a thoughtful introduction by Leon as he says "It's pretty quick so if you don't get all the lyrics, don't worry". As well as his own set, Leon also plays a song between each of the band changeovers. It is an idea that BAM's Keith thought of and it works very well. Well done to Leon for agreeing to it, although I am sure that this young man would have played all night given half the chance, such is his natural ease and weight of ready material.



Unusual name, but plenty of good musical entertainment from Luton's Kokopellies . As the five piece announce themselves, a swarm of mates gather around them. These energetic people then proceed to dance or sway throughout. This band are full of ideas and encompass plenty of musical styles. It's actually quite fun working out how many can be spotted. I can list ska, punk, funk, rock, white reggae, 50's doo wop and even a tiny smidgen of soca. Although the songs are all quite throwaway, the band do have an EP coming out shortly. From that disc I enjoyed "Just Like You". I get the distinct impression that Kokopellies really enjoy playing live as they demonstrate so much fun and the crowd can feel this too. However, I do have a slight problem with the frontman who turns his back on the audience far too often. A tiny criticism, but it's rude and looks sloppy. On a lighter note, Kokopellies do win the prize for the wittiest comment. The vocalist shouts out "Does anybody know any anti-jokes?". Well the band do! Here's an example: "What did the lawyer say to the other lawyer?". Answer: "We're both lawyers"! Well I liked it!

More good (if not clean) fun arrives with hairy rockers Metal Kettle . They are having a GWAR evening, it appears, and so bestiality comes to the bar with "F**king an animal". Their old skool camp metal also features compositions about aliens and a plastic sheep gets highly involved. Having not played here for a while, the lads perhaps thought that they would inject a lot of humour into their set. It works for them as I laugh with and not at them. Another prize should have been awarded to their bassist who was the best bobble hat wearer of the night. Metal Kettle also gave us a jazz interlude which was ......nice!

By all accounts Arcane are playing their first ever proper gig. Although they look fresh faced and possess some nicely coffered hairstyles, they have a healthy respect for everything punkish. Sometimes when an inexperienced band encounter this nervous proposition it would be natural for them to rely on a well worn and rehearsed batch of covers. Arcane are more bold and score highly with their own material such as "So Safe" (a new one) and "The Other Side". If they need to boost confidence with a cover, they do so with "Fell in love with a girl" by White Stripes. Arcane also play a rotating band set up and in keeping with this fun night they also have a mascot. It is the head of John The Baptist complete with his own fez which, needless to say, does the inevitable rounds. A very surreal and entertaining evening!

Kokopellies Vid

Metal Kettle Vid

Arcane Vid 1 Vid 2