The Scruff, Lovegun, Indi And the Vegas, The Casters, The Shtooks, The Ivories, Tom Grennan.
Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Friday 27th June 2014.
Tonight Bedford internet media company Limelight TV presented an evening of local bands which they currently champion, support and work with. Based in the Broadway part of town, this evening's gig is also filmed in it's entirety. This means that the stage lights are in a permanent high mode, the result being that most of the musicians complained of being very hot and uncomfortable. Also, for what was a mainly basic line up, I did feel that the £10 admission charge was quite steep. Sometimes it's quality and not quantity that counts and a rather poor attendance reflected this, plus it was Glastonbury weekend.
Opening the proceedings is TOM GRENNAN, widely know of course as the voice of The Jebs. He seems to be a late addition to the bill. He begins with the lively "Boys in blue"; be very careful "they're coming for you!". Amongst a few inglorious false starts and early endings, Tom's set takes in Charlie and his band's popular composition "Me and you". His admiration (I think?) for bigger 'bros' The Scruff is exemplified by a brave acoustic cover of their "Policeman" song.
After forming some eighteen months ago as THE IVORY COLLECTIVE, the recent loss of founding member vocalist Amber has been successfully eased by the remaining trio of Jo (vocals, melodica), Johnny (guitar, vocals) and Shaun (cajon). They are now reborn as The Ivories. They recently supported Gabriella Cilmi in MK and the inevitable confidence gained is clear to see. This pleasant threesome ply some gentle folk-reggae for us. The set is made up of both covers and originals. "No way" is of the latter, while the Desmond Dekker penned "It mek" is, according to Johnny, "such fun to play". Their own compositions enchant, especially "No way" and "5 to 9" which is "a new one about hating your job". We are told that the writing of this song caused a few ironic smiles from the band members. Tall, stock and wearing a classic trilby, apparently Johnny has spent the week dosing himself up on flu tablets. Jo's use of the melodica is a treat for a reviewer brought up on the sounds of the late Augustus Pablo. Not only that, this blonde haired young lady is equally adept at the ukelele. The Ivories admit honestly that they like to "take the best bits of songs to make complete ones". "Mash ups" they concur. A fine cover of Dawn Penn's "No, no, no" makes for a lovely ending.
THE SHTOOKS are, I admit, very new to me. A four piece who leans towards some old fashioned bluesy rock. The band have, in their short career, coined a more original moniker for their style, describing themselves as purveyors of "chip shop rock 'n' roll"! For a fried potato aficionado, they are a little soggy for me. The songs seem to be all too samey and nothing really stands out and grabs my attention.
In a similar vein are THE CASTERS who also have a penchant for blues rock with occasional ska moments. Watching them, I note that some of their guitar solos performed are, dare I say, technically brilliant and clearly great fun to play, but awful to listen to. My yawns are often and hard to stifle. They sometimes try to ape Floyd which induces some kneeling down guitar playing. No memorable songs here either.
INDI AND THE VEGAS bring some much welcome light relief to my rapidly tiring ears. This is a band who do not seem to follow any current fads or trends, instead preferring to pave their own way. Considering their youthful age range they make many nods to the sixties and seventies music scene. These lads are armed with some funky choice grooves. The guitar playing is spellbinding as they offer some silky soulful blues in abundance. Cool vibes flow from their talented hands and fingers.
LOVEGUN provide some cheesy classic rock covers with bundles of cheeky wholesome charisma. They don spandex and bandanas and really don't care because this gear is what "pulls all the chicks" and that is all that matters for these hard rocking rockers! Given half a chance and a bigger budget, I'm sure that Sean, Robby and Ferg would have filled the stage with a whole arsenal of cannons and a huge wall of Marshalls as they present their personal tribute to high voltage rock 'n' roll. Needless to say, "Schools out" and "Ace of spades" feature highly.
Stepping forth from the often grey sullen skyline of Bedford, THE SCRUFF are a trio with fire in their collective souls. It fuels a musical conviction which I feel is wholly unparalleled by their many peers in this town. Confident as ever, they are a vibrant force as they mix up some jagged guitar work and searing aggression. It is encompassed within tight angular melody and textured atmospherics. Their lyrics reflect modern life perfectly and their 'skindie' path is always worth walking along. Sam, Adam and Omar are thoughtful and agreeably preened and polished as they perform. The set includes, amongst others, "Lover darling baby", "Policeman" and "Let you down (I won't)". At this late finishing time, not only does Adam's top come off but also the M & S white vest! A long night, but a great finale.
Review by Martin Stapleton. www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk