Sleaford Mods, The Scruff, The Casters.

Lev 2 Bedford Esquires. Thursday 25th September 2014.

Seriously, my feelings for this gig were never that promising. I've only ever been to Sleaford once and I dislike mods! Despite a poster that I can only describe as genius (featuring a picture of SLEAFORD MODS on a can of alcoholic beverage), this is a most long and depressing night for this reviewer. A night of yawns and long intakes of breath. While at work, my time is often punctuated by the constant and repetitive sound of hip-hop. Together with a workplace culture of language that I can best describe as effing and cussung, I naturally look forward to escape with live bands at Bedford Esquires. That is until the Sleaford Mods duo of Jason Williamson (rapper) and Andrew Fearn (laptop soundsman) arrive on the main stage and proceed to give me a condensed highlights package of my working week.

A good sized Thursday turn out prove me to be in the minority as they give our headliners a rapturous reception. At ten o'clock, the blokey Nottingham based duo are straight into their stride with "New Labour, new danger". Aged in their early forties, they have certainly experienced all of life's struggles. Jason ferociously spits out his lyrics at such a rapid rate it is difficult to know whether we should agree, disagree, laugh or argue with him. The only time I can understand his harsh pithy word play is when he constantly repeats a song title, as in the jokey songalong "Jolly f**ker". I always felt that Happy Mondays' chief dancer Bez had the best job in the music business. That is until I witnessed the baseball cap wearing Andrew Fearn. He just presses a button to connect the various backing tracks of dancey raved up sounds and the job is done. He then sips at his endless supply of alcohol, does a little dance and smiles in a drunkenly goofy way. I am reliably informed (by NME) that Sleaford Mods are a proper punk band. They relentlessly slag off 'proper musicians'. Has been’s or "yesterdays heroes" are given short shrift. "It's not a pyramid, you're not a f**kin' pharoah" is ranted loudly. Donkey noises emanate when they get stuck into another "f**king shit band".

Mr Williamson seldom takes a breather, he just doesn't come up for air! What is fascinating to observe is his non-stop talking right arm. He gesticulates constantly and reminds some of the late Larry Grayson on fast forward! Oooh!! It is more noticeable because he stands at an angle and looks as if pointing at the bar staff. Songs are rapidly delivered and gorged upon by the crowd. The new single "Tiswas" (who remembers "Spit the dog"), "Tweet tweet tweet" and "Tied up in Nottz" get loud and long applause. The crowd have loved every minute of it and the pair are only too happy to perform an encore with "£5.60". Sadly for me, an empty feeling washes over as Sleaford Mods bored me enormously. Surreally, they are akin to Jeremy Kyle getting a couple of his 'guests' to perform as Dan le Sac v Scroobius Pip - on substances! Their constant moany old git lyrics complain endlessly about sell outs. They may indeed play Wembley in the future. Probably outside the tube station. Then again I suppose it's nice work if you can get it, eh Andrew?

Thankfully tonight wasn't a complete waste of time as THE SCRUFF returned to Esquires. This gig represents the start of a busy few days for the skindie trio. Tomorrow and Saturday they are supporting Bruce Foxton's From The Jam project. All credit to Adam, Sam and Omar for gaining these prestigious slots (did they possibly mention Inspiral Carpets later this year?). The lads are naturally in an effervescent mood. Guitarist and vocalist Adam Irwin offers us a cheery welcome with "How we doing Esquires?". Sensing that some of the assembled are not yet in the party spirit, he encourages with this thought "Let's just think it's Friday tonight". With his crowd now sweetened up, he then fires a request for people to "come on, get a little closer, I might want to touch you"! Fresh ideas are perpetually brought to The Scruff table. Next month they follow up the brilliant "We're all broke out here" with their hotly anticipated new EP. They are easily developing into one of the best and exciting new bands in this county. So unassuming, yet very creative. Gently powerful riffs cradle their natural ability and the vocals are delivered with a gritty air of sophistication. They rely on a taut combination of finesse and melancholy to graphically pinpoint life's struggles for the under thirties in the harsh 21st century. This reaches a zenith on "Policeman". Nothing is rushed and no corners are cut in pursuit of the perfect song. Friday at work will be a hell of a lot better after watching The Scruff. Thanks boys.

Fledgling blues rockers THE CASTERS open and stumble through a turgid set. Except for a dynamic drummer, their wooden stage presence really needs to up a level if they want to emulate The Scruff's supporting credentials. Sadly, they have no songs that I can remember as it just meanders. Their rather timid front man needs to develop his confidence and build an identity. The guitarwork did go a little out of tune on occasion and I sense that this band could do so much better. Here's hoping...