Juicebox Indie Present: THE TWANG, DEXTERS, THE SCRUFF.
Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Wednesday 15th August 2012.
Review By Martin Stapleton.
Tonight courtesy of Juicebox Indie, THE TWANG make their Bedford Esquires debute, it’s a midweek warm up show for them, as they are appearing at the V festival in Chelmsford at the weekend. A three quarters full turnout, shows that their pulling power is still quite strong and healthy as someone who remembers the late eighties, early nineties baggy scene with huge amounts of affection, it pains me to see The Twang who offer very little originality. It’s a very laddy crowd, a quick scan around the room and females are very scarce, just appearing to be accessories to their boyfriend’s whim.
The five piece are not without their problems, in fact tonight sees them introduce Ash as their new drummer. Apparently the old sticksman Matthew, a well respected mate committed the cardinal sin of s****ing on his mates. He flogged some of the bands equipment to cashconverters and pocketed £10.000 in the process, nice one mate! but your former colleagues did not seem very impressed.
With influences ranging from the Mondays, to the Roses, they bring it up to date with their fellow Brummie inspiration, Mr. Mike Skinner his scatty streets vibes are in The Twang mix for all to hear. These Birmingham boys are not just having it large, but dare I say on a humongous level.
Fronted by the twin vocal assault of Messrs Etheridge and Saunders, these geezers spar vocally on Either Way, which they manoeuvre so easily, as it switches to a harmonising segment before reverting back to type. This old favourite then makes way for Two Lovers, a song famous of course, for its Danny Dyer Starring Video. The lads both on the stage and especially the dancefloor are now portraying mass euphoria, the bar is needless to say, busy. These fellas know only too well that you can’t truly enjoy a gig without taking on board plenty of booze! Sorry designated drivers. In fact judging by the state of the wooden mosh pit floor, more alcohol seemed to get spilt on that, rather than down peoples throats!
The Twang are quite chatty and chummy with their fans. They reveal that upon arriving in Bedford for the first time, they treated themselves to a slap up meal At The Hungry Horse complete with its Cheap Runny Coleslaw! They are also quite jokey about their early slot at the V festival, remarking “Were on when you’re still in ya tents!”
The ultimate hysteria moment occurs during Wide Awake. The Jewellery Quarter album track is certainly the crowd’s favourite. Summing up The Twang at Esquires, for me a lot of energy, a smattering of fairly catchy songs, but they sure failed to twist my melon man!
Main support comes from DEXTERS, a brash cocky band from the East end of London. They produce a short sharp set of dynamic guitar based tunes, which borrow from the spirit of the Jam and Libertines to name just a couple. Raw energy pulsates throughout, allied to a charismatic frontman who you certainly wouldn’t want to meet on a dark street in Bethnal Green. This man is taking no nonsense from anybody and he puts all his aggression into the songs.
Local boys THE SCRUFF gave another very assured performance. The trio have even dressed for the occasion, all wearing matching bow ties. Very classy. Soaking up the atmosphere, The Scruff garner huge roars of approval when they announce that tonight is a “Wednesday that became a Friday”, adding defiantly, if rather stupidly Fuck Work! Complete with its interesting introduction, The Ballad Of Sebastian is a fine song from a band progressing so well. Their recent Bedford Corn Exchange appearance has certainly improved their stage craft and confidence.
Review by Martin Stapleton www.bedfordalternativemusic.co.uk