Thu 13 Mar 2008. Lev 1 Danny's Bar - Bedford Metal Thursday Showcase - Apex Unplugged (acoustic/rock), Dan Short Acoustic Set, Chaos Faerie (metal), Polite Underground (indie). 8:00pm. 16+ free entry.

SHOWCASE 4 13th Mar 08:

http://www.youtube.com/v/yVQvdq92__c

Its always good to see Apex at Esquires, they have played before, but this time with a difference, for tonights show they are APEX UNPLUGGED, giving us their mix of acoustic grunge that in a way looses individuality by sounding so much like Nirvana but gaining individuality by having a grunge style that doesnt copy the sort of sound that most bands are doing at the moment. They are also able to do what they do so incredibly well. For a start the guitarists in the band, play different styles to each other, mixing relaxed strumming with intricate technical finger picked chords. The singer has an amazing voice that carries fittingly well to the appropriate style being aimed for. Just as you were lulled in to their dulcet acoustic tones, they burst through with a few of the plugged in, full swing band, Apex set songs.
It was like having two bands in one and showcased both their talent and diversity, it also made the sound of their set fresh to keep you awake, with the drums thundering through and electric guitar chords adding to the burst from unplugged to plugged.
As predicted, shortly after their set their arms raised as they scarpered to the hills, making way for the next act.

Hey Crooksey, this gig is dedicated to you. Our solo acoustic was next. They go down quite well at Dannys Bar a place that can easily put on anything from a full band to an entertaining solo act that goes down well with the audience and DAN SHORT was no exception. You might remember him from a guest singing spot at the end of Till Seasons Falls set a few weeks ago. His singing is really pretty good and has a depth and volume that easily carries his very talented own written material. An early song went slightly awry and abandoned, but he soon recovered to give us a well-applauded set, all accomplished on his feet, standing with out the use of a stool to perch on. At the end of the set a few helpers came on with auxiliary vocal back up. It was the sort of act that is well received in the right setting and wouldnt mind seeing this performer, that I was glad to have put on again.

Did you all see the promotional video that this band made for their debut show on the Bedford Metal showcase? CHAOS FAERIE were the heaviest band on the typically mixed nights that we have been running. It took a few songs for them to get in to their stride and their singer could have projected his voice more, with added volume, apart from that, they seem to be quite a good metal band, atmospheric bass work included and a hail of guitars to keep the up front watchers amused. They didnt seem to move around a great deal, lets see what they do with a bigger stage on Lev 2 next week!

Another band whose singing could do with being a bit less subtle, THE POLITE UNDERGROUND, enthusiastic and ambitious, a young band wanting to burst like a peporami sausage out of its packet on to the scene. They managed to swing them selves a slot on this years river festival and have previously had gigs at The Ath. And The Civic for Bedford Metal.
Their bassist never looks up from his instrument in to the crowd, preferring to keep his head low and his lips apart in concentration.
Indie is the order of the day with a few rock overtones added in. They are now well rehearsed and gig ready enough for them to seemingly rush through their set inducing their drummer to call a request to his band members to slow it all down a bit, or add a bit of crowd banter, so I suggested that they advertise their upstairs Lev 2 gig at Esquires next week to their fans, much to the surprised faces of the band who did not previously know about the offer. Im sure they will be able to bring more of their crowd down when its a holiday the following day.

Man of the match award to Dan Short for braving it all on his own for his acoustic set and also to the straw hat worn by the singer of Polite Underground.

The Radiating eyes with The Race Against Silence, Polite Underground and Chaos Faerie on Lev 2 for The Best Of The Thursday Showcase Nights.

Check out the bands at : Apex Unplugged (www.myspace.com/apexunplugged)
Dan Short (www.myspace.com/danshortuk)
Chaos Faerie (www.myspace.com/thechaosfaerie)
Polite Underground (www.myspace.com/thepoliteunderground)

Keith www.myspace.com/bedfordmetal
My thanks to Pete Burrage and Paul Craven for the excellent sound.