Out Of The Inside (E.P. Launch), Mashed Potato, The Informatives, Tom Korni.

Dannys Bar Lev 1 Esquires Bedford. Thursday 22nd August 2013.

The latest gig presented by Bedford Alternative Music ia a launch night to promote an EP recorded by OUT OF THE INSIDE . The fantastically designed poster detailing it is well worth mentioning. Unfortunately the pre-advertised All Against Nothing pulled out pre-gig. With various festivals and the Bank Holiday weekend, attendance tonight is comfortable if not overly full.
Out Of The Inside feature Leon (guitars, vocals), Robert (bass) and James (drums). Indeed, the EP was produced by their very own sticksman Mr Kempton in a small garage with "only one microphone". I soon purchase my copy of this six track disc. Ironically it is entitled "Only one" although I hope that the title is not a bad omen and they sell a few more. Also it only costs a pound! Judging by the friends and family that have assembled, they too seem to be frothing at the ears for this exciting evening. BAM's Keith gives the lads an inspirational introduction, calling them "the stormtrooping leaders of the night". The set naturally features tracks from "Only one", although I'm sure they didn't treat us to "It's only me". However, if they did I'm sorry I missed it! Leon comes out with the quote of the night at the conclusion of "Somebody else" when he declares "this carpets cold"! I've never heard that comment before. The songs are intelligently constructed with a good ear for a catchy chorus. Very Fall Out Boy inspired. "I don't care" is one of the first songs that they wrote, but "Stormy sunshine" is my undoubted favourite of their set as it immediately gains from the distinctive deep bass intro. The catchy song title also nearly has me joining in. More up to date is "A night to remember". This is a demo that they admit might be on their next EP. It shows that their creative roots are branching out. An encore brings their most recent composition, but their fans are not entirely satisfied and shout for "one more, one more". As it is Reading and Leeds weekend, Out Of The Inside leave us with a Green Day cover, perhaps in honour of the Americans' festival visits.

The first support slot is filled by TOM KORNI . At just 15 years of age he seems to be making quite a name and reputation for himself on the local scene. After recently winning the 'Love Bedford, Love Busking' title he was then given a 'yellow card' by the borough council for illegally putting up poster advertising the event. Tom donated a share of his busking money to various cancer charities, a worthy cause. With his trusty guitar, he uses his feet for percussion. Although this is a free gig, I was slightly disappointed that he didn't perform any of his own compositions and instead we are issued with a 'jam night' covers selection. This features, amongst others, "Come together" (Beatles), "Wish you were here" (Pink Floyd) and "Stairway to heaven" although Tom clearly states that is is "not the ten minute version"! For this reviewer it still gets a tad tiresome, although his "Blurred lines" cover was interesting.

More covers unfortunately arrive thick and fast with THE INFORMATIVES , a five piece featuring keyboards, from Hertfordshire. Prior to their set Keith informs us that they were "talent spotted at the bridge". They tell us that it is their 49th gig as well as being their vocalist's birthday. Their covers selection is more modern and unusual such as "She said" (Plan B) and "Pompeii" (Bastille). The highlight is "Shave it". Apparently it is an Eastside Jimmy song that they have rejigged and reinvented. It has a proto sixties garage rock feel to it. Played fast, it was exciting and ended their Esquires debut set.

You can tell we are in the holiday season as Keith, with a mischievous grin, announces our next band with the tasty surreal comment "next we have some food for you"! Yes, I'm sure you guessed it, MASHED POTATO are back at Esquires. This is a fun band. They don't take themselves too seriously but they are certainly not sloppy. far from it. The band announce that tonight is the drummer's last gig with them. Uni bound I suppose. After a sublime acoustic start, which is a surprise to us all, they kick off properly with their wild and wacky ska smash up of "Purple haze" (yes that one!). Once more they are joined by their tall and super cool guest vocalist who I believe goes by the name of Jac Glen. Unfortunately, it is only to be a short set, but I did enjoy "Caught in the act" and "Art of tranquility". Their presentation excels once again and all the songs are given such a varied slant.