Tuesday 11 December 2001, Bedford Esquires.
This battle of the bands event brought an early weekend atmosphere to Esquires for a Tuesday, starting with DIEM - a metal band looking like an early version of a band that I’m sure will go on to great things. They started with a Nirvana song; always a crowd pleaser which got the audience moving from the start, a good vibe carried on throughout. With a bit more experience I’m sure Diem have the potential to generate an appreciative following, definitely deserving a higher billing status than an opening band.
12 INCH LONG- These did not go down too well with the crowd, with taunts of ‘you're rubbish’ hurled from the audience. Even so, they delivered enough energy to start a mosh. It became clear that they haven’t been together long, realising their need for more experience & practice to curb the rough edges, whilst their lead singer appears more convinced otherwise. Demonstrating an arrogant air belying his ability to sing! His rendition of Deep Purples' ‘Smoke On The Water’ – (an easy enough riff) coming to mind- unless karaoke on a bad day is his vocal style. The instrumentation certainly had more style than their shirts, although the chap with the red shirt and V shaped guitar offered a welcome bit of banter to the crowd, explaining that they mainly do covers at this stage. He also showed skill in playing a good bit of guitar work during ‘Sugar’ by System of a Down, his attempt at the recognisable guitar riffs being one of the bands saving graces.
Although ‘Ska Punk’ is not my favourite style of music CHICO & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is a good example of the genre. It has a definite style and an ability to cheer you up, named after the thought that their lead singer looked Spanish, gaining the name Chico while watching the film from which the name derives. The smartly attired band have an ability to both entertain and please, their own style adding flavour to covers including Karma Kamelion - done in their own inimitable way. The crowd was loving it, you could feel the floor move from all the skanking. In fact, the last time I saw someone move like that they were on fire, or at a rave or something, even Diem’s lead singer showed respect by dancing enthusiastically. The band moved well too, along with their charismatic front man. This band always gives an enjoyable performance.
Last time I saw INSOMNIA they were backing AB/CD.- ‘see review’. I cant say enough good things about this band, certainly worthy head liners.The crowd were responsive and ready to mosh except when the band do the more atmospheric sections – definitely a thinking man's band with avant-garde overtones blended in with the faster parts. The vocals could perhaps be a bit stronger to match the animated strength of the drummer, unless it changes the unique style the band has, even the 5 string bass snapped a string by the end of the performance. Well worth looking out for the next live gig! All in all a good mixed bag of stage fillers, I even seem to remember a pair of girls knickers being ceremoniously hurled at one of the bands.
Keith Pickering