RED BUTLER with NEAR MOMENTS and FALSE IDOL.
Saturday 27th August 2016. Lev 2 Esquires Bedford.
Ladies took the centre stage tonight as all three bands on display were led vocally by the fairer sex. It made for such a welcome change from the normal testosteronal tonsils of male vocalists.
Headlining are a blues rock five piece called RED BUTLER. Hailing from Brighton, this is a return visit to Esquires, having played here back on June 14th 2015. That was a bar appearance as part of the regular Sunday sessions. Yesterday was an extremely exciting day for Red Butler, as it saw the release of their debut album, which is entitled Nothing To Loose. Hopefully they shifted a few copies this evening. I bought one and can highly recommend its quality. There is a noticeable difference to Red Butler this time around, it is the addition of rhythm guitarist Dan Spellman, this talented musician fitted in seamlessly to their regular line up of Jane Chloe Pearce (vocals) Alex Butler (guitar) Mikey Topp (bass) and Charlie Simpson (drums). Red Butler begin with You Only Live Once, it is a breathtaking start with this firecracker. A heads down, no nonsense boogie blues rock song, it’s a taster of what’s to come. This, as well as the majority of their set list, is taken from the aforementioned album. Danger Zone is however an exception to the rule. Sadly the turnout this show is not massive. The weighty regulars of the Sunday bar gigs are in the main, noticeably missing.
Black Flies is the perfect time to take a breather, reflect and absorb this beautiful ballad. Nothing To Lose contains one of those now familiar Red Butler powerhouse riffs. Jane Chloe sings out brilliantly “On the mountain top of desire.” What can one say about Belly Of The Blues? This is a full on slow burner. A softly spoken, neck-hair tingling intro is just a brief forerunner on what is to finally engulf us. The closing sequence is a true air guitarists dream. Calm Before The Storm is the perfect song title for today, as Bedford has been struck and affected by thunderstorms. The instrumental sounds of this song perfectly capture the brooding weather. This got a rousing reception from the audience. Got To Make It possesses a fluid proggy riff which weaves its way throughout. The haunting intro is an immediate pull. Never Go Back contains such soul leanings.
As the set winds to a close, we are treated to Big Bad Wolf. This is undoubtedly my Red Butler favourite. It is one to nod your head to or if you are slightly braver, a wee boogie blues dance. A body spinning tune that is so damn catchy. Red Butler draw many varied influences and throughout their forty minute set it has been fun trying to pick out from where they originate. With Show Me The Money finally bringing events to an end it has been quite a classy and immense performance. A polished sheen lacquers their presentation with the old sixties classic Nutbush City Limits is belted out with a raw and uncompromising gusto for their requested encore.
Support is provided by one of Bedfordshire’s best young quartets, namely NEAR MOMENTS. Ever since I first saw them play way back in early 2012, I have always been very impressed by both their sophisticated songwriting and their exuberant live shows. Sadly these exciting teenage musical adventures are being put on hold for a while. The rock bands vocalist Adi reveals that university life is soon to beckon. If this is to be their last gig, they certainly go out with a loud bang. It is a corker of a show. Fun and enjoyment is etched on their faces as they perform a selection of songs that we have grown to love. Adi, Tom, Barnaby and Joel are so tight musically and yes the violin does make an appearance!
With so many high profile shows at Esquires, they will be a sad loss to the local scene which at present is not exactly overflowing with alternative based bands. The holiday time may give them a chance to reunite? If not, then thanks Near Moments, you have always been enjoyable, good and gracious.
Opening tonight’s show were FALSE IDOL from Milton Keynes. An energetic female fronted rock band, they have played previously downstairs at Esquires (BOTB), but are new to both the main stage and my eyes and ears. I was initially struck by their brash confident demeanour, which sometimes can be tricky in front of so many unfamiliar faces. They encompass a heavy alternative sound with elements of a punky nature. They speed through a most enjoyable set which included a bunch of catchy punchy songs.
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk