Stand aside and Skar:Red

The Lizard Music Venue Broadway, Bedford Wednesday 5th May 2004.

There were two bands that I saw locally last year that totally blew me away, one I’d heard that they were good and even knew some of their members and were called ‘Revelation’, the other I had never heard of and looked at first to be a bit young and stage inexperienced (boy how wrong was I?) but big things come in small packages and from out of the blue – Skar:Red were the other band and impressed not only those who saw them but the staff of the Lizard also. It was only looking through Skar:Red ‘s web site that I saw they were to return alongside – Stand Aside, another amazing band, who’s C.D. I had reviewed previously and sent them venue contact details for the Bedford area. There wasn’t much notice to plug this gig and the floor was thin on the ground but I hadn’t looked forward to a gig so much at the Lizard for a while now.

STAND ASIDE Ripped through the air like an explosive martial arts enthusiast with an air raid siren! The compare of the night done a marvellous job of introducing, raising support and making the bands feel welcome, the only downer was the embarrassing low turnout of the Bedford crowd, but the bands put every effort and played a blinder despite Stand Aside's bassist being unable to make the gig and their lead front-man - 'Pan Spanky'....(amazing name - sounds like a film star) who had an injured foot, they still turned up and I felt, put everything into the lively performance, making these troopers a reliable and book able band. Their drummer was able to make his art look so easy while accomplishing a professional sound. The gig didn't seem to be lacking without a bassist and they possess an outstanding lead guitarist, without which I think they really would have been sunk. Skilful, melodic yet heavy as fuck, moving around the stage well but still not keeping up with the singer whose on stage energetic pace performed swirling martial art kicks in a blur of movement more rarer than Venusian Aikido and his subtle American accented tones while introducing songs belied his barking Death metal growling vocals reminding me of a fuse between Testament, Pantera and thrashers - The Crumsuckers. One of their tracks 'Lets Be Friends' has a superb classical yet heavy guitar work which I enjoyed listening to The vocals seemed to unalter, lacking diversity but still contributed to the consistent 'in yer face' sound. I would so much like to see the reaction of a crowded appreciative audience who I know would love this band as they certainly have the power to deliver a performance.

After a few cool tunes from James the D.J. SKAR:RED were back for their welcome return. They seemed to have grown since last time. I know they do have loads of live experience and certainly deliver a great gig. There doesn't seem to be one player singled out and outshining the others. They are a complete unit each coming together as a unison, forming a proper band sound. They genuinely impressed and blew me away last time and I could still see why, on their headlining return. (perhaps I've been seeing too much poppy emo punk fare lately and these were the refreshing change I needed!). They seemed better rehearsed, belting out a tight set of a great wall of sound. They even all moved the same on stage but there no heavy version of a shitty boy band.

Both bands are well known and liked in their areas (London + Northampton) but I think not having a well known to Bedford band appearing on a weeknight also on the bill- reduced the door capacity. I would say to them only this.... - You missed a great night!