Bedford Alternative Music Present: NEW BLOOD SHOWCASE. Featuring Inanimus Theory, Ape Chamber, Arcane, Out Of The Inside.

Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. 28th February 2013.

Music is all about people coming together and enjoying themselves. I think that everyone who turned up tonight for this BAM New Blood showcase certainly did that. All the bands who played for us on a 'not quite the weekend' Thursday evening contained that vital ingredient, namely the feel good factor.
However, my night gets off to an inauspicious start as I walk in the bar at 7.40 during what appears to be a routine soundcheck for OUT OF THE INSIDE. After one song turned into two and then multiplied into four, it was decided that they might as well carry on and complete their set. This band, although a little out of their depth a few weeks back on the main stage (BAM punk night), revel in their performance tonight. They should also be warmly applauded for heroically stepping in at extremely short notice for Apex Race, who cancelled quite late. Out Of The Inside again feel more comfortable in their covers work, of which Muse and of course "Song 2" (Blur) feature. Tonight is just what this trio need in abundance, quality gigs in front of different and new faces. The crowd were on their side all the way through and gave them good encouragement.

I feel that the layout of the bar tonight is a bit awkward. A large sound desk takes up a lot of room and random kit is thrown everywhere. It does tend to spoil the evening. BAM's Keith has in the past awarded certain musicians a gig 'man of the match'. Not to copy our esteemed promoter, may I award the showcase night 'star player' to Mr Roger Fowler, the singer with ARCANE. Unbelievably, the new member of the band has only had ten days to prepare and rehearse for the show. Humbly, he introduces himself and explains the predicament. There was no need to worry as he does so well. It seems that most people attending have come to support Arcane. A large DIY constructed banner is first hoisted into the air and then laid to rest in front of the band. Although Roger consults his list of lyrics at regular intervals, his performance is faultless, as is the rest of the Arcane line up. Crowd and band are fully united with plenty of handclaps and jumping ensuing.

APE CHAMBER And The Shakedown feature amongst their ranks a familiar face. He played Esquires numerous times a decade or so ago when he was part of the popular Luton combo called Loose Thread. It was nice to see and welcome back Mr Don Vince. When playing his bass Don still gurns in his distinctive way. Part demon, part cherub, he's a proper "Zombit"! The quartet play a mixture of funky punk (yes really!) and a little lilting reggae rock. Song titles include "Numbaz", "Bunga" and "God Of Fleas". It's all huge fun and because ACATS all have such vibrant personalities, it truly is a "Beast" of a show!

I so enjoyed INANIMUS THEORY. Unfortunately so many of the crowd disrespectfully left before this fearsome and heavy quartet started playing (and it wasn't a late finish either). Instead of receiving well deserved and raucous applause at the end of each song, it was just an insipid smattering of 'golf claps'. A real shame for this skilled and likeable band. Their presentation and look is impressive. Except for the drummer, long swirling locks dominate. This is no-nonsense, heads down rock 'n' roll. It never dies and it won't go out of style. "Bloodlust" opens. The band have greeted with a simple "hope you enjoy". We do, we do. "3 Shots" is from the forthcoming album. It's a high octane roller with elements of Judas Priest running through. Inanimus Theory even write some songs about "space invader robots" (fun again!). "Blackened Sky" is a brand new one, but at it's end the lads concede that they might have made a bit of a 'horlicks' of it. They admit "You can see we've come prepared". A bit surprised to be asked for an encore, they are fully up for the extra song but need a 9v battery to do it. Luckily one is supplied so they play out in style with "Cordyceps". A rousing finale to a good night.

Inanimus Theory Vid

Ape Chamber Vid

Arcane 2 Vid

Arcane 1 Vid

Out Of The Inside Vid