WOLF ALICE
with The Jebs, Lupo.

Bedford Esquires Lev 2 Friday 7th June 2013.

Somebody did state at the start of the 'acoustic revolution' that "quiet is the new loud". Well try telling that to tonight's headliners WOLF ALICE, brought to Esquires by The Pad Presents. Initially, no doubt vocalist Ellie Rowsell and her colleague Joff Oddie were possibly advised 'you will be acoustic, you will be folk, you will sit on a stool at a stage singing boring dizzy songs in front of nobody in various London boozers whether you like it or not'! Thankfully Ellie and Joff hired a bassist and drummer, plugged in their amps and now in 2013, Wolf Alice rock out totally and judging by their demeanour, look as if they are thoroughly enjoying it.
The venue is half full, although this is very good for Bedford folks. They are notoriously lacking in support for unestablished 'hotly tipped' bands, even though the hype from both the music and national press has been immense these past few months. Wolf Alice describe themselves, and I quote, as "psychofreak pop rock". On a first viewing they have a retro feel (in a good way) and two bands from the late eighties/early nineties immediately spring to this reviewer's mind. The Sundays (for the vocals) and Bardo Pond (for the rollocking and ferocious guitars and drums). If ever a band name summed up the contrasting style of the song structure, then Wolf (the lads) Alice (the gorgeous vocals of Ellie) certainly does. When I told a friend earlier, albeit in a noisy place, who I was watching tonight, they thought I said Rolf Harris (think about it)! Wolf Alice give the distinct impression that they don't give a toss about fame and fortune. After serving a long and arduous apprenticeship they seem to want to make and create music for themselves and if anyone else enjoys it, well that's a bonus. The Esquires crowd did tonight. Although not creating a full on buzz as they approach the stage, there is a ripple of excitement as the quartet take their positions. They are randomly attired. Ellie is a conservative bohemian, while the bassist is proud to display socks that are a cacky coloured brown! Style guru he sadly ain't. Although unfortunately Bedford Esquires failed in an attempt to be crowned NME's best small venue this year, I'm sure we will have Wolf Alice to boost our credentials for next year's competition. They greet the crowd and seem genuinely pleased both with the set up and the grandeur of our old building. One of the band shouts out "It's awesome". They like us, we like them.
A crowd favourite seems to be "Bros". A song about mates and friends garners a huge cheer as well as the first six rows dancing quite frenetically. Wolf Alice, with folk tinted vocals and their grunge laden, molten velocity are certainly not "Fluffy". As they leave the stage to loud applause, nobody is quite sure what comes next. However, one thing is for sure - the crowd want more! I sense that Wolf Alice are a tad surprised and indeed a touch overcome by the genuine praise and support shown to them by 'little old' Bedford. All those frustrating nights of gigging in empty spaces are instantly forgotten. It's official - Wolf Alice have been adopted and are now Bedford's new favourite band. Their fuzzed up guitar encore is a reward for all the fans and rounds off such a special night.

This is the third time that I have seen Luton's LUPO at Esquires and each time they have performed in front of a different themed crowd, winning them all over effortlessly in the process. They have quickly and efficiently developed into a tight and cohesive unit. Lupo are full of melodic and rhythmic highs employing much craft. It is evident that band practice is used wisely and is paying off handsomely. The quartet like to use a few elongated intros. Their set (perhaps unintentionally?) is heavily influenced by early Muse. On a lesser note, one song passed dangerously close to Simple Minds territory (never a clever idea). The music is dark and intense relying on technical skills that they are so adept at applying. The band are still at the stage where they seem quite surprised by the cheers and applause that they deservedly receive. These Bedford musos like you Lupo, milk that acclaim - you've earned it. Although the band have run out of T-shirts, they do admit that they have "little pictures" that they have drawn. One ponders, is this a merchandise first?

The Bedford music scene is very exciting at the present, being driven along by an excellent array of fresh young bands all breaking through collectively. Amongst their number are indie main movers THE JEBS. They gain from having such a confident frontman as Tom Grennan. He has a knowing swagger and a cheeky glint in the eye. He leads the band through some infectious tunes such as "She wants more", "No returns" plus "Me and you". The latter is notable for The Jebs obvious teamwork as drummer Kieran Magill is proudly singing along even though there is not a mic anywhere near him. It's always a pleasure to see this keen five piece with a singalong never too far away.