Bedford Alternative Music Presents: (The Return Of) Showing Tonight, In Archives, To Light An Abyss, Keep Cool Casanova.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Friday 16th September 2011.

Photos (c)Bedford Alternative Music 2011.

“Where’s my band” exclaims KEEP COOL CASANOVA’s front man Adam as he assembles his team for their first ever live gig on the big Lev 2 stage. And what a first gig it was! The practices and rehearsals had paid off and a full on entertaining set ensued.
Tightening up in some areas and vocals sometimes off kilter, a nervous first band soon got in their stride, plenty of movement, welcome interaction with an up for it crowd and even an off stage run around from their front man who seems to radiate an onstage performing presence all the time.
Knowing their musical preferences and influences I was surprised at just how original their sound is. I would certainly have difficulty in comparing them to other main bands around, which is always a good thing. Even their choice of cover wasn’t anything overheard by a lot of bands adding a cover to their sets. All complimented with melodically jaunty keyboards from their player Sean (I remembered ya name at last;-). Not much in the way of tuneful guitar riffs – they just sort of ramble on to create the sound along with the tones from their ‘looking the part’ bassist and onslaught of mixed vocals. More tightening up, more tunes and experience is the only thing needed to add to what was undeniably a promisingly good first gig. (Bedford Alternative Music was proud to have put you on for your first show).

From Peterborough and later to say this was their best show IN ARCHIVES wowed Bedford with many nods of approval and compliments. They attracted a fantastic crowd response interacting well with the audience and even describing movements to enact to one of their songs, one of which was from their free CD (and sticker) given away at the show. They came across as well practiced and tight, definably ahead of their game proving to an appreciative audience out of their home territory just what they can deliver. They give the impression of having a lot of fun playing and a band you wouldn’t mind being in if you were a musician looking for a band to join.
You may remember most of the band members from their first outfit that played Esquires last year when they were called Prophecy True . Returned more older and experienced in this new outfit (belated Happy Birthday to the two bro’s Kelly and Zack in the band by the way).
In Archives provided both and enjoyable set and worthy crowd reaction and it was pleasing to see them and the first band supporting each other so well while playing.

Back again after their popular Monster Showcase gig at Easter TO LIGHT AN ABYSS, who I was pleased to note, seemed to me to have improved even more, it was their usual showmanship and instrument skills providing a lively set along with a few slower reflective tracks to add variation to their talents, along with the more mosh pit inducing fare they are more known for. Dropping some of their covers for more of their own material prove this band are not getting stagnant but improving on what they have and making me feel assured they are ready to wow audiences at many further a field places.
Throwing himself around seems to take its toll on their front mans singing quality at times and one of their guitarist seems very much in the background not daring to look up from his admittedly well played instrument, as opposed to the other guitarist who ads a few poses, shapes, smiles at the crowd and other welcome interaction, which I would say are the only slight negative nuances, although more overwhelmed by their positive triumphs of both performance and playing ability making up a fun entertaining band and may I say one of my favourites.

Rave alert time SHOWING TONIGHT are back! A gig starting and ending with keyboard bands. Having put on their earlier shows years ago at the Beds Ath etc. Bedford Alternative Music wanted to be the ones to bring them back, both to their loyal fans personally thanking me for allowing their gig slot and new blood in the audience also. Man Of The Match award to Toby for some fantastic drumming, acrobatically twirling the sticks between fantastic rhythms and hypnotising good drum effects, not being able to stand a boring repetitive tap tap to drumming, Showing Tonight displayed some drumming skills that I’m sure would make mine look like a 4 year old playing in comparison.
It was good to see they have returned with some new material along with some memorable classics like Super Dragon, making the only reason the audience would shout “Shut the fuck up” would be because it’s a part of the crowd participation element of the lyrics.
Looking more seasoned than their whiskerless youth beginnings, jumping around shouting and musicianship skills go hand in hand without falter. Their fruit loving guitarist an able musician but tends to reverse to the speaker when playing, - we’re over here Ashley.
Great to see them back and they looked every inch to be on top form, after a heavy tinged line up its always good to headline with a more original specialised sound making me think oft compared Enter Shikari are just a second rate Showing Tonight.