Bedford Alternative Music Presents: The Thursday Showcase.
The Demi Massacre, with The Pressuretones and Chaos Faerie.

Bedford Esquires Lev 1 Thursday 2nd July 2009.

Photos (c)Bedford Alternative Music 2009.

REVIEW ONE BY Keith.

Headliners CHAOS FAERIE with a mention in the local newspaper (in fact the only mention about the whole gig) played their last gig under this name (new name to be revealed at the end). With their mainstay usual guitarist recently quit (although on good terms and came to support the rest of the band perform without him). The other guitarist had to quickly learn both guitar parts and incorporate them in to the gig, not an easy task, but easily achieved if you have a good and capable guitarist such as this one. Heavy growling vocals from a front man at last very much in his stride since their earlier gigs, they demonstrate melodic and intricate guitar work and hefty drumming (what a trouper to play so well, hard and fast in the overbearing heat). Their bass player did well also admitting not even having played the last new song before, which was allowed after last orders as a welcomed encore.
Added to the atmosphere was a Pans people style group of dancing girls up front adding to the support, enjoyment and fun you could see the band having.
A later track was called Goodbye and the new band name of Ascension was revealed as an out with the old and in with the new band name and certainly one to look out for.

A bit like a punk sandwich between two metal bands THE PRESSURETONES added a spice of variety to the evening, energy enthused (in fact the last time I saw someone move like that they were on fire!) They seemed to get an appreciative response (and I noticed some C.D. sales) from an admittedly tired audience in humid weather. They had the applause and deserved appreciation although would probably prefer a more beer and friends fuelled mosh pit approach, watching the T.V. screens and reading the paper sitting at the bar was not a preferred option. The applause at least was loud and they were definitely good. The keyboards added variety to the sound of the night complimenting some good tuneful punk anthems.
Not intended as a solid themed night of single styles, they were and I hope felt a welcome band on the bill.

Being only their second gig Lutons THE DEMI MASSACRE gave us some technical salutes to their more than capable guitar playing, blending a galloping melodic rhythm with some heavy bursts and the only vocal style to match. The vocals seemed to be a bit to harsh at times with no let up; seemingly very much like their influences of Trivium, Lamb Of God etc of which a Lamb Of God cover 'Laid To Rest', was attempted during their set not perfect but a fair rendition non the less. What they lack in originality they made up for with technical prowess and playing ability. Their commitment level seems strong and after a few gigs I can see these developing and honing more of their own style to create a strong gigging band on the scene.

Very special thanks to our heroes that played on the hot and humid night and the sound engineer getting together the sound despite some equipment difficulties which were appreciatively overcome.



REVIEWED TWO BY Martin Stapleton.

After a gap of a few months, Bedford Alternative Music return for a trio of showcase nights, once again culminating in a monster level 2 gig next month. The musical mix and age group of audience and bands could not be more different. Thankfully, Danny's Bar has some electric fans situated about the place. More appliances would have been welcome. The evening hours offer no tangible respite from the hot and humid conditions that we have endured today. The smoking area/beer garden is without doubt the ideal place to be and many, many wise folks utilize it to the fullest. Fresh air flow is at a premium.

THE DEMI MASSACRE from Luton are the first to the mic and they certainly don't ease us in gently. The young trio bludgeon us with their hardcore sounds. New to Esquires, they are keen to impress as they put maximum effort into it. Screaming vocals are, I admit, slightly hard to take on this particular evening. With heads slightly weary from the pounding rays of the sun, people dip in and out of this band during their set. On a cooler occasion, I too might have been a bit more up for 'The Massacre'.

Quite what THE PRESSURETONES are doing at a showcase evening is a complete mystery to me, but I am glad that they are here. The young metal crowd took refuge outside as the older bruisin' tattooed skankin supporters pitch up at the bar and closer to the action. With regular slots here in the past, this showcase is perhaps primed to promote the release of their new album "Reverence". Highly recommended, it was recorded at the Parlour recording studio, Glendon Lodge Farm, Kettering, Northants. The Pressuretones, namely Phil (vocals), Fitz (drums), Juke ( keyboards), Tone (bass) and Steve (rhythm) ply their lively sounds and are a perfect antidote to the stresses and strains that most of us have encountered today. Although the whole band are on top form, it's the keyboards that are the highlight and memory of the set. It's deep seated sound cascades wave upon wave to flood every part of the room. Chirpy fromtman Phil does berate the vast majority of the crowd for sitting down rather than dancing. "Thats for watching television!" he says. With his minor rant over, the band continue to generate their free-flowing tunes.

With the appearance of CHAOS FAERIE, metal returned to the agenda with total vengeance. The young collective thrash out a harsh sounding set. Effervescent in their performance, the unrelenting sound owes a big thank you to sound engineer Rich, who was spot on all night.