Bedford Alternative Music Presents: The Monster Showcase (Best Of).
Attika with Shadow Factory, Demi Massacre and Kids Picked Last.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Friday 28th August 2009.

REVIEW ONE Keith.

Come with us now as we see what the Monster Showcase (Best Of) gig was like, missed by many during the Leeds/Reading Fests the bands lucky to reach Lev 2 from their earlier Dannys Bar gigs all put on large performances as you can see from the review, videos and photos.

All Photos (c)James Betts 2009.

KIDS PICKED LAST are a real fun party band with some great well played tunes featuring keyboards and guitars along with some break beats on drums pinning it all together, from their drummer who naturally oozes a stage presence, especially when away from the drums during the all out rave dance on stage as one of their tracks (and off stage, break-dancing on the dance floor). Lets not dance round the fact though that the vocals are out of tune and just words thrown out, rather than actual singing! Lets be honest there not actual singers when it comes to the twin vocal duties, but somehow it fits the style of music without spoiling any enjoyment. Inflatable palm trees and a shark added to their stage set and complemented their visual energy. A great way to open a gig and a band that would make a gig swing well on a line up of bands with the same style as theirs at a future gig which would be great to do.

THE DEMI MASSACRE are another band whose vocals I dont find that amazing, like a baby bird calling for food, rasping and samey throughout, without any range capabilities, you cant really distinguish any of the lyrics which may just as well be numbers sung out while playing. You do need harsh vocals though, with this style of metal so at least the singing suits the overall sound. The guitar work their front man plays however is quite superb, very fast, skilful, heavy and melodic, looking the part with rock poses while both singing and engaging the guitar to some hell bent riffs. The other guitarist deserves an award for magnamonous playing ability also and one of the best guitarists on the night, with guitar work not as underplayed as any on stage movement. Apart from some good visual stances. I wish the playing with back to the audience from their singer could be toned down. Not much movement from the bassist either, who seemed quite cool and laid back despite a rather warm looking jersey under the hot lights on stage great playing ability though and a good compliment to the bands sound which needs a good drummer to tie up their bands sound which fortunately they have, with thunderstruck drum bursts in abundance. Overall a great band performance.

The third band on were SHADOW FACTORY and the first band with appreciatively good vocals both in tune and range. The drumming from their blond spider monkey drummer with arms stretching all over the kit blasting a good rhythm throughout. The main guitarist on V shaped riff duties has the amazing ability to play stupidly incredibly fast. Wow, certainly the fastest guitarist of the night, its incredible to see, whilst at the same time smiling throughout, as with all the band members showing they are obviously enjoying playing. Its quite a good overall sound and also fused with energy and movement oozing with playing ability and youthful enthusiasm.

With more guitars than you could actually play on a gig and hair like super noodles (long blond and curvy)the front man of ATTIKA takes to the stage for the first time at Esquires with his crew. Their strange bassist entertaining between guitar swaps, and well practiced drummer who surely must have developed drumming muscles to thrash the beats so well and a new guitarist replacing their main one on holiday. Being the headlining band and eligible for an extension, I wondered if they could cope. Perhaps the new guitarist only new a few songs that would shorten the set. No worries were needed though and a more than capable guitarist made a worthy replacement playing the guitar orientated songs well, while adding his own talented style in to the guitar solo parts with ease and flair. Interesting to note he is also the son of a band member of the famous band Kajagoogoo who I think Im right in saying played Esquires back in the day.
This is a band that obviously enjoy playing and have fun on stage playing live with songs ranging from thrash, metal, rock and blues-rock, even the odd AC/DC and Metallika cover thrown in.
It was pleasing the band were able to find a replacement guitarist for the night and good to see just how great his abilities were despite only hearing the Attika back catalogue on CD to practice to and calmly but skilfully got through them well.
I think a few of their own songs now seem a bit tired and over heard, perhaps time to be dropped from the live set in place of newer fresher songs but evidently over all a good listen.



REVIEW TWO BY Martin Stapleton.

Sometimes we don't fully appreciate people until they are not around. This thought sprung to mind tonight halfway through tonights gig. Of all the movers and shakers etc etc on the local music scene, Mr Keith Pickering must be one of the most knowledgeable and hard working individuals. Every young music fan or musician knows 'Keef'. So the desperate question to the young metal folks of Bedford is why weren't you here supporting the gig? For a gentleman that has helped so many young bands with both gigs and sound advice, payback please!

This evening is a reward for all the bands who are from the Thursday showcase evenings in the bar. However, what any gig needs is people, plenty of them, to create a blinding atmosphere. Unfortunately, this Bedford Alternative Music night suffers sorely because there is no-one here. A paltry turnout that is the complete opposite to last weeks emo/post-hardcore gig. Perhaps that is where the interest of Bedford's youth lies because, judging by tonight, it seems as though rock and metal is a total turn off.

Admittedly, opening band KIDS PICKED LAST are not a personal favourite. Surely, however, they must have some mates or family who could have given some sort of moral support. This gripe would apply to all the bands involved this evening. A trance electronic ensemble who should ignite any youngsters true feeling for the live experience. Perhaps at the moment things have changed. The incessant garbage that is fed through reality TV programmes has quashed the hunger of a live performance that the citizens of an older generation thrived and seized upon. Live music means a buzz, a natural high. Why do Bedford's youngsters not have that desire? Its perhaps apparent when you wander around the streets of this town and hear the awful karaoke and the mainstream sounds that emanate from most local public entertainment establishments.

THE DEMI MASSACRE may possess such a frail looking frontman, but hey, what a pair of lungs. This is a man who could literally shout for England.

A huge shout out for Luton's SHADOW FACTORY who, early on in their set, pull out "Never Surrender" to emphasize a semi stadium rock song. Their demeanour and playing ability is, once again, spot on, but euphemistically "Desperate Cry" is perhaps the best song for the evening. High endeavour, but no one here.

ATTIKA rise to the occasion, enjoying the rare spotlight on level 2. As they perform "Now is the Time", the vibes are good. This is possibly the band's highlight. Although in this cricketing summer, "Ashes to Ashes" is so appropriate and is finely performed. So there you have it, Four great bands playing their own penned songs in front of next to no one. Oh dear. I think tonight, this just sums up the town of Bedford, but thanks Keef for trying.