Tiger Drive Promotions present Doubting Thomas, Bent Like Bob, Blind Theory and special guests Bad Shots Reunion.

The Thirst Club Lev 2 Esquires Bedford. Saturday 16th April 2005.

The first band on tonight was BAD SHOTS REUNIONfrom York. Not sure what to say about this band other then I thought they were excellent and if you like good punk music then you should check out this band. It was refreshing to hear someone actually sing at Esquires and sound good, not only that, I'm sure I heard some harmonising as well but I may be getting my bands mixed up. It wasn't just the vocals but the whole package was spot on. The drumming was in time and aggressive and the guitars worked off each other brilliantly. I'm trying to think of something bad to say about this band just so it doesn't sound like I'm kissing ass but I really can't, I guess they were just my sort of band.

The second band up came in the form of BLIND THEORY Following Bad Shots Reunion was never gonna be easy in my opinion but I still wasn't impressed with this band. I think the drummer was playing in two of the bands tonight so not sure if he was their drummer or a stand in but he was very impressive and did his best to hold the band together. They attempted possibly the worst Blink cover I've ever heard in the shape of Man Overboard and although they did say they had only 'perfected' it earlier, if that was the case maybe they should have left it out of the set. Not to be overly critical they did get the crowd moving and enjoying themselves so they can be proud of that and it looked like they were having a good ol' time, so well done to them but I think they need to get practicing so they can come back and rock Esquires properly.

A couple of beers later and BENT LIKE BOBrolled onto the stage. I'd been told that these guys were one to watch, so I put down my beer and took note. I'm glad I did because I was in for another musical treat. They sounded like a cross between Lost Prophets and Guns n' Roses from what I can remember, but I was getting a little tipsy by this point. Either way I was once again impressed with the vocals and interaction between stage man and crowd. Everyone seemed to move to this band, even some of the oldies at the back were 'bopping' along to the fun punk ska being churned out from the stage. I'd recommend this band at the drop of a cat and I look forward to their future visits to Esquires.

The headlining band where Esquires favourites, DOUBTING THOMAS I've seen these guys twice before and the first time they blew my away and the second time I was a little disappointed. Tonight my doubts about this band were put to rest. These guys love playing in front of the big crowds and Esquires was well packed out this evening so it was all set to be a great show. The big bassist jumped on the stage sporting a sharp hat and pair of shades which I reacted to by yelling "take it off big boy!" which the oldies gave me a stern look for.
Anyway back to the band. These guys have obviously been playing together for a long time and their sound is well rehearsed and played. Nothing really else to say about DT apart from if you haven't checked this band out yet, then catch them at Esquires as soon as you can!
Well done and thanks for a great show to all the bands and organizers of the evening. I'll try and take a notebook, pen and maybe a camera to future show so I can provide more reliable reviews in the future.



Reviewed by Tysoe for BedfordMetal.

I’m going to add a few views on the night as well, which was run by Tiger Drive Promotions – a new site dedicated to getting gigs for bands and putting on these entertaining nights.
First up BAD SHOTS REUNION who at the sound check earlier, made me think they were more of a metal band than punk, as the superb guitar work cut through the air with intricate skill, being melodic and heavy sounding. Their gig went down well – I actually thought these were going to be the headliners of the evening.
The drumming was particularly good, in that it didn’t just follow the rhythm – it added more to it. I think some of their songs seemed more bland compared to others maybe this is a now well practiced band whose early punk days are on the verge of evolving to a metal band?

BLIND THEORY – Bedford’s resident skater boy crew, with their skater boy music. A competent front man entertaining the crowd between singing and stirring the crowd in to action. Some of the shared vocals seemed a bit week but at the same time, the band were putting everything in to it. Did they do some punk covers? Did they do them well? Maybe I’m not really in to this sort of music so it’s wasted on me. Although they do have a pretty good guitarist though, who tends to look so bored while playing so well.

I really don’t know how you could not like BENT LIKE BOB , isn’t it the case that their lead singer front man is just a walking house party in full swing? He started putting everything in to the singing, which he carries off so well, but later put more in to the on stage performance of moving about giving it his all, with shouting vocs. Allowing entertainment value to rise above vocal quality. With their sound, their material and simply the sheer way in which they deliver it. This band are firm favourites with other bands and the audience with out a doubt.

DOUBTING (mAccA and the boys making all the fucking noise) THOMAS The people who put the show on. Well done guys, another terrific performance from these smartly dressed resident headliners. In charge of the night and looked the part as well.
Special mention to who I think is a really good drummer who shows a lot of flair and whose twin brother was also in Blind Theory earlier (No it was the same person).
One of my favourite DT songs included the onstage appearance of a guest horn player, who did not in any way spoil my favourite song, just added another dimension – Keep him on.
Famous for throwing sweets in to the crowd, this time threw a whole piñata shaped like a paper dragon, which was full of sweets, making one of the highlights of the show, which also included a stage dive from their guitar playing, singing, event organising, band promoting, versatile front man. – Check their site for more gigs soon!
Tiger Drive Promotions Web



Overview by Keith www.bedfordmetal.tk