Headwire, with supporting acts GroinDog and Unitus

Esquires Level II, Bedford Saturday 17th August, 2002

No advanced tickets were required for this gig but there was a healthy crowd non the less, you could tell that the last two bands had their fans in the crowd, as they seemed to know the lyrics and were singing along with the bands. There was a tally on the door to see which band people had especially come to see...
my vote went to UNITUS - who, if you like the stoner sound of doom laden Sabbathy riffs, you will certainly like these, although sounding more like Cathedral mixed in with their own unique style, it would seem from what I heard in the audience - a lot of people new to Unitus were pleased with what they heard. One of the venues staff accidentally knocked the lead singers drink out of his hand just as he was about to go up on stage - which mignt have given the creative anger required for the mood of the gig. Although the vocals at times did not sound loud enough to lead the band, they have a great front man with a true verve & R+R attitude. - When asked to come and mosh with us, he came in to the crowd to mosh and sing, making sure not to get his bare feet trodden on at the same time. This band also have an accomplished drummer hailing from two other bands - Borderline, + Peanukle, but claims that Unitus is his favourite gig as it is his type of music (mine too). Also Dot from C+TCF was on hand to check the moniters. Their 'Hulk' song went down really well after which, to end the gig and make a change from rolling off the stage like last time. The singer jumped on to the drum kit and was stuck between them for a while. - 'He has to pay the repair bill though'. Mention must also go to the impressive guitar work, especially the bass, with out which - the bands sound would not be so greatly accomplished.

GROINDOG - had a hard task being between 2 great acts but managed to pull it off with aplomb. There seemed to be a lot of people on stage from the way they took up the space and moved about looking as though they were enjoying what as demonstrated - they do best. This band had stronger vocals, which were an asset to the band - although most of the songs just seemed to be too bloody happy. They have quite a following, - apparent from seeing their fans singing to the bands songs obviously knowing the lyrics. The band as a whole just kind of felt like any other standard local band. Even though the singer was really good, the professionalism slipped when he had to read some of the lyrics from a piece of paper - I'm not complaining though, if it means the band are trying to inject freshness with welcome new songs. One of the guitarists was wearing white trainers, which I was pleased to see did'nt have the cords to play drawn on them for the newer stuff also, as their instrumentation was skilful enough.

Abit of a special gig for Biggleswade band HEADWIRE - as this was their last gig. They've been going for a while now and have amassed quite a following. A difficult band not to like with a charaismatic front man, and good guitars - one of which, alternated between plectrum and fingers, for the more plucky pieces showing a worthy skill. The band has quite a few good songs, which they put everything in to. I expected more on stage shenanigans, as they claimed they were going to pull out all the stops. I didn't think they pulled out that many - apart from leaping in to the crowd at the end. They showed that they didn't have to rely on any gimmics, instead - spending more emphasis in not compromising the sound. I have to say I was glad to have been at their last gig, and wish them luck with Uni and other endevours.

Review by KEITH.