Bedford Alternative Music Present: NEW BLOOD SHOWCASE:
Lupo, 8-Bit Heros, Mashed Potato, Chasing Immortality.

Holy Molys Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. Thursday 28th March 2013.

Ah Easter! What does it conjure up for you? Chocolate eggs maybe, hot cross buns maybe, maybe not! A nice extended break, oh yes. For me, the past few years on this Maundy Thursday evening (the day that the Queen hands out the special money) has always been the traditional Bedford Alternative Music night. Normally this annual showcase best of is on level 2. However, due to a 'name' band getting the slot on the main stage we have been decamped downstairs to Holy Moly's for a new blood showcase night. Although there were naturally some restrictions with light and stage limitations, this packed crowd were treated to a show that will live long in the memory. In fact, for this reviewer it brought back memories of the old 'Ath' nights. Special gigs where so many of our now twenty something musicians were given their first chances to show their skills in such, at times, anarchic surroundings!

The stage times and crossovers are both tight and slick. First on are CHASING IMMORTALITY and it is their first gig. The five piece hail from a variety of places including Leighton Buzzard, Mill Hill and parts of Hertfordshire. Fuelled up by a couple of ciders, this was just the sort of band I needed to kickstart my evening. 'Mellow' metalcore with such fantastic poise and stage presentation. You can tell these lads have practised and rehearsed long and hard. This is not undercooked continuous noise but four very carefully constructed songs (they also deliverd a cover of "Pray For Plagues" by Bring Me The Horizon). Vocalist James orchestrates brilliantly and it isn't long before some moshing breaks out on the dancefloor. I particularly enjoyed "Departures". It's loud, thundering intro raises the hairs on the back of my neck. The growlsome vocals go deeper and implant directly into my head. Marvellous sensations and with searing guitars and bone shaking drums. It's a fantastic all round effort which is richly applauded at the close of "What I Want Of You".

Who likes MASHED POTATO? Well everyone in Esquires seemed to. Of course I'm not talking about the thick creamy mixture made from Solanum Tuberosum, but the musical quartet made up from Noise Theory and Metal Kettle, two bands nurtured by BAM over the past couple of years. At the start it seems like the crowd are on downtime and resting from their previous exertions. Mashed Potato are not happy and a shout goes out to the masses to "get the f**k down to the dancefloor"! This musical 'motley crew' are a guitar based ska band. Ironically I have more Mash to mention. He is our sound engineer and a few years ago he was a member of Last Man Standing which this band are very similar to. They certainly looked to have attracted most of the audience. Although not a lover of covers, I must make mention of their special reworking of Jimi's "Purple haze". Far out man! Perhaps a few older folks would have combusted with rage. Covers should be different. This was fab, groovy and I dug it! Variety rules for MP as they firstly split for an acoustic duo before they invite new recruit Jac Glen to join them for the final part of the set. Apparently he is being eased in gently.
(short clip)

My BAM star player of the evening goes to the drummer from 8-bit Heros. He sports one of the most spectacular mohicans I have seen here for a very long time. Excellent dedication to 1976. The trio purvey the sound of early Nirvana, punk based and to be more precise, "Bleach" era. There is great interaction with the crowd who are always ready to join in. The trio sense this and ask for everyone to loudly sing "we will be kings". The resulting reaction is in keeping with the exploits and entertainment of the gig as a whole.

How can I best descibe LUPO? Well, this South Beds band offer up some dark and moody indie rock but wrapped up in some poppier exterior. This is best demonstrated in a very free flowing elongated "Intro" jam. Highlights are many, but "Freethinker" edges it for me. Very tight and again, variety is their musical spice of life. With other musicians invading the stage at the close, a wild encore ensues. The tie up makes for an exciting finale. A very impressive showcase night with bands who should make it to the main stage at some point in the future. Truly an Easter eggstravaganza!!

Mashed Potato 1 Vid

Mashed Potato 2 Vid

8-Bit Heros 1 Vid

8-Bit Heros 2 Vid

Lupo 1 Vid

Lupo 2 Vid