Bedford Alternative Music Presents: The Thursday Showcase.
Suzuka, Acidity, Sunset Reset.

Bedford Esquires Lev 1 Thursday 18th February 2010.

Photos (c)Bedford Alternative Music 2010.

A first for me to see SUZUKA and knowing these guys from a previous band (The U.G.), they would admit their new sound is quite far derived from my own taste in music, but nevertheless are good at what they do. The vocals are well practiced and done well. I thought the keyboard sound effects were going to point to a rave style sound until the classy rock tones kicked in, perhaps a sound to get used to and would appeal to an indie crowd (get your stripey tops out) as the guitars are subdued but you can still trace good playing ability along with the trait of allowing each instrument to have a fair turn in soloing its sound, instead of one drowning out the other adding to this tight professional sounding set.

Covers go down well at a pub style venue although ACIDITY are a little self reliant on them. Its always a harsh analysis to judge a song from the originals. Their own material is particularly strong, they need to write some more material anthems or learn a few different covers before any risk of continual gigs becoming samey. The guitarist can obviously demonstrate good playing ability but a more lively fronted stage presence should be worked on to even the balance of the bassists charisma, throwing all the shapes and poses, along with good, moody bass playing and even ending a song with a perfectly formed splits to the floor! There is evident room for improvement in some of the vocals, especially noticeable in the covers where you can compare them to the originals. Cant really fault the drumming, like a little machine, in tune all the time, utilizing skippy rhythms and pounding beats throughout. Entertaining, especially for their young age and still room for tightening up the rough edges.

SUNSET RESET have a very well practiced sound and probably one of the most unique individual sounding bands I have heard this all year, sounding so different from a lot of stuff around at the moment, - even sounding Egyptian in places. All four members singing together make a strong professional sound. Their songs are fast, lively and uplifting with amazingly good drumming, not copying most styles; he seems to be injecting a personality with individual flair which adds to the cheery beat.
You cant help liking this band, with its definite party vibe. They got their bassist to don some so called sexy specs and take on singing duties for one number. The main singer/guitarist was the most charismatic of the night, even playing the guitar behind his head at one point!
Their set came to an end but were coaxed in to doing another. I hear they have a lot of songs in their repertoire and a Radiohead song was played rather well, which cleverly bled in to another sing along song ripping the usual moroseness from a typical Radiohead song while accentuating their uplifting beats and charm.