Babes In Toyland supported by Hyper Hyper Girl Lover and Jehu Explosion
Wednesday 20th March 2002, Bedford Esquires.

Frequent visitors to Esquires THE JEHU EXPLOTION are probably more suited to a longer set to give the crowd more time to get in to them, especially those who insist on having to pigeonhole bands in to types. They seem to do their own thing, which is why I like this sort of stuff. With only three members - the quite atmospheric sound they produce is quite impressive. A mosh pit did get underway and made it pleasing to see people getting in to them. Famous for the interactive participation of story telling between songs, the band had to ask how much time they had left, and had to stick to the music as there just wasnt time for stage banter. Thats my only complaint really - that they were not on long enough - check em out when they're higher on the bill.

West midlands based HYPER HYPER GIRL LOVER was asked by B.I.T. to tour with them. Just lately(when this review was first written)the middle bands at Esq. never seem to have the vitality of the opening or headlining act. That curse was broken tonight though - the vocals really stood out, sounding raw and strong, and their heavily tattooed female guitarist created an impressive wall of sound. The lead singer put his guitar to effective use also. The crowd response was mild though in places, with one of the band members asking for a mosh pit!

From the early to middle 90's BABES IN TOYLAND - the progenitors of Grunge, pioneered the sound before Nirvana. I thought they sounded like a female Bauhaus or Jesus+ Mary Chain in places, their guitar licks sounding totaly raw live - not like highly over produced music that sounds as if every note has been picked up, polished, and put back. These are true in yer face tunes from the tough Minneapolis Grungers. Towards the end of the set, the stage emptied to leave a solo performance before being joined a bit later. This wasnt the first time the Babes have played Esquires, they played earlia in their career, and even D.J. John Peel turned up to see them!

With advanced ticket sales I thought the night would be busier than it was authough the audience contained a varied crowd from Grunge, Metal, Punks, Goths,and Goths with hair extensions!(-called Dom).

Keith Pickering