Pandemonium, Revelation, and The U.G.

After a few complaints of the venue being empty for the last few weeks (I was doing other stuff as well) the busy(ish) atmosphere was back, ok not as packed as a battle gig but busier than I heard the last few weeks were, with it being the Easter weekend and the bands having their supporters bringing back the good ol venue vibe.
PANDEMONIUM opened the set – they should be quite at home at the Thirst Club now and this time no battle of the band pressure. They certainly looked relaxed and enjoyed what they were doing, with some on stage shenanigans thrown in to the bargain as well, with a toy gun being thrown to the crowd, which a girl threw back hitting their guitarist a whack on the head…. Still it could have been worse…. It could have hit me! Ouch – think they will have to throw soft toys next time? Although their P.G.Tips T-shirted guitarist took it quite well and played a good execution of fret work. Mention and recognition also to his Duracell usage!!
Their songs have the most amazing speed structures – just when you think they have started getting faster, they up tempo again and employ different levels of speed throughout their songs, giving a fresh uniqueness to their individual Pandemonium sound. Their drummer gets a nomination for Man Of The Match for creating a well-crafted tight bit of drumming and credit also for being the member of the band who stayed till the end, that’s respect to the other bands.
The lead singer with a cool dress sense on stage sung well but I always feel should inject more vitality and energy although I’m starting to accept that style is what they are aiming to achieve.

Bedford Metal’s favourite band REVELATION were next, with some new material added to their set. Not only do they have their Bedford fans but they have the fans from where they come from also. – (A good point there for promoters wanting to book them!) Their sound has just the right ingredients; heavy, melodic and all round consummate skilful playing from each member.
Ill give the nomination of Man Of The Match to their singer – as it was his birthday, - a point that was raised by the bassist and was stopped in his tracks by the singer. I think the singing at times could be a bit more aggressive with a bit more of a growling death edge as he does it effectively on some songs, apart from that – a great performance. Again there was some top notch furious drumming although with this type of music – you couldn’t have it any other way, in which the band deserved the albeit small mosh pit they commanded.

Close old school friends with the previous band, the headliners were on next, THE U.G. they’ve clocked up quite a few gigs now and have been going the longest out of the bands on the bill. They tend to have a no nonsense approach – no shenanigans on stage, they know what to do and just deliver. Not quite as heavy as the other bands and a relaxed approach with their vocals, occasionally bursting into shouts of punk edged attitude. I would say they were a band that deserve a longer C.D. to showcase more of their material and allow more familiarity to more of their songs and add a bit more interest.
I’ve a sneaky feeling the main guitarist writes most of the songs and particularly like the melodic extra flourishes blended to the guitar work adding an overall sound that still amazes me that it’s all coming from only three people – their style of sound always sounds as if a whole lot more is going on.
Perfect precision timing to the drumming making it look so easy but putting every effort into some good thunder stickery makes this drummer Man Of The Match this time.

© www.bedfordmetal.tk any attempt to copy this review can only be done if you have or will buy the reviewer a drink (Newky brown or Banana beer goes down well).