The Return Of - The Ten Year Prospect,
with Sunset Reset, Suzuka and Kill The Image.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2. Friday 5th November 2010. Gig Poster by Tom Kitchiner (TYP).
Photos and Videos (c)Bedford Alternative Music 2010.
Although this gig was to commemorate the last one off show (not to be missed) from one band. It was the starting point for another and what a good way to start. With fans wanting to get to see this new band live KILL THE IMAGE delivered a fantastic new bands first gig opening act. Good musicians all round for their ages, the youngest being their floppy haired but powerfully rhythmical drummer. Good bass work also and good to see trying to interact with the audience for that live show experience. I loved the way their guitarist threw himself in to the part, chucking shapes all over the place utilizing fast movement while playing ads to the showmanship this band has. They also have a very talented singer guitarist, singing well and in tune; perhaps just needs to belt her vocals out a bit stronger to tie in with the bands style of music. I enjoyed their songs and didnt even know the few covers they did so it all came over as new refreshing talent to keep the scene well generated with up and coming new bands.
The SUZUKA four-piece were the most indie of sounds on offer tonight, whereas the first band were good for their ages and first gig, Suzukas sound came over in waves of well practiced professionalism, hard hitting precision drumming and a signable sound with an evident appreciative fanbase. Well able to entertain with good to hear singing clarity, along with added synth to add to the bands style. I didnt think the songs came over as imbuing any great sense of passion and rather placid, lacking a verve and zeal to keep the set performing as a live spectacle, although freely admitting I am not fully committed to their style of music, can at least see they are competently good at what they do.
With more class than a large school SUNSET RESET would make a tough act to follow, giving the following band a good run for their money. They employ some great catchy tunes adding sophistication to their tunes with their playing ability. I even got a rare chance to see a heavier rock influence from an AC/DC cover during the sound check. Its all very well though being able to stand up on stage churning out one well played and great to listen to song one after the other can this band actually do this in a showmanship entertaining way? Well the answer would be most definitely, weather its a simple interactive acknowledgement to the audience, or playing the guitar behind their back in a Hendrix resurrecting fashion, (with half a spaghetti tree of strings protruding from his guitar tuning end), or even getting their bassist to don a pair of geeky taped up specs and take a turn on the vocals for their Bring Back Sexy song. They keep the set sounding fresh throughout. I could certainly understand anyone who would claim this is their favourite band on the scene at the moment, although I personally think there rubbish! (Ha ha only joking). There is also some fantastically hypnotic drumming including rhythm and timing changes to the beats not just tap tap tap all the way through. The only thing I would recommend is some new tunes in the same style to keep this a fresh and vibrant band.
Hard to believe what I was seeing the actual return of THE TEN YEAR PROSPECT and what a special night it was, heralded with a mass of party poppers, (best we could do instead of Nov 5th fireworks!). With jaunty, skippy little movements, their charismatic singer/front man moon walked on the spot between songs, attaching power and passion to the vocals, his hat a nod to the past was the only thing missing. Not just a rehash of past glories, there seemed to be some new stuff in there also, including a solo acoustic song to pace out the more energetic vibes of other songs. A special appearance of founder member and now blues rock legend Ben Poole made a welcome guest on one of the songs and a new guitarist to guest on some of the later songs in the set. What their moody bass edge bassist lacked in on stage movement their drummer made up for in bounds of hypnotizing stored energy, easily one of the best drummers around, adding a lot of the swift velocity to any songs lacking pace. I dont think as a band they lack anything without their first guitarist, there just as good in their own right, proving no ones any better that the whole of the band. Some of the guitarwork adds a Fugazi like experimental part with sound effective edges.
A fantastic come back show admitting after they would only come back again to play a tribute show for me if I died. Mmmm.
REVIEW TWO BY Martin Stapleton.
I suppose on this Friday firework night, events were always going to be pretty explosive. For one evening, and only at Esquires, we saw the return of TEN YEAR PROSPECT. From their first early appearance at the 2004 Thirst club BOTB competition to their last show here (I think!) at Bedrock 2007, this band were a staple part of the local music scene as well as foraging a respected reputation at venues up and down the country. They developed very quickly as a band and soon widened their horizons and grew, even through line up changes. They matured into a tight and cohesive ensemble. The local press best described them regularly as the "funky Harlington faves"! They had an all encompassing grasp of indie insightfulness mixed with a powering post-rock latitude. They put a focus on trying to construct songs that resonate far beyond the usual and inevitable influences.
Ten Year Prospect may have been absent for a few years, but their performance this evening is certainly how we best remember them - adept at producing catchy, perspiration inducing songs. Starting with love dedicated to Cliff Richard, we go back in time with "The Chosen Few" (it's about self destruction). "Medicated" is lapped up almost lasciviously by their loyal fan base. Soon it is time to welcome a few recognisable guests to join them on stage. Amongst them is blues guitar wizard BEN POOLE. Personal favourite "Golden Handshake", complete with it's excellent and thunderous guitar intro is rapturously received. Indeed, as the house lights are switched on, I'm sure some of the crowd leave with a tear in their eye and a sense of nostalgia that's pretty hard to resist.
Support on this Bedford Alternative Music night is led by SUNSET RESET. I witnessed their deserved triumph at the Battle Of The Bands competition in Bedford Corn Exchange back in July. Their progression musically is always to be noted with interest. Blessed with enormous talent, this quartet offer a welcome parochial charm and admirable songcraft. Their strong material wrestles its way into your consciousness. However, it is their deft and catchy turn of phrase that these boys employ in their lyrics that excels. "Sexy Back" bucks this trend, but the young female attendees really seemed to enjoy it! It certainly gave them "Something to Think About"! Consummate and polished, Sunset Reset finish their set with the lively "Get Back Down".
From South Beds, KILL THE IMAGE are Lisa Henderson (vocals, guitar), Toby Issacs (lead guitar), Johnny Murray (bass) and Zach (drums). Armed with some heavy influences, they are a veritable scrapyard of greasy distortion and moody, girlish whimpering. It so wants to unnerve you, but doesn't quite work up the necessary psychosis. Tonight is their first electric show with their current line up. Their stand out song from this promising introduction is "Our Generation".
Hmmmm, Suzuka. Obviously very talented musicians, but I feel are one of those poor deluded bands who perhaps think they are onto something when really it's clear are just on something! A set without passion or soul and the end can't come quick enough.
More Ten Year Prospect videos from this gig can be viewed on the Bedford Alternative Music Video page.
One keith www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk 2 Two Martin Stapleton www.bedfordesquires.co.uk