Saturday 13th. September 2003, Bedford Esquires.
Strolling into the club I was hoping to be impressed. It felt like far too long since I'd been to what I'd really call a 'Bedford Metal' night. It also felt like far too long since a band like local heroes Moolie had graced us with their presence. I was therefore hoping for a horn throwin’, head noddin' night like those that made me fall in love with Esquires back in the day.
As ECHELON BLUE got going I felt the potential. The singer had definite presence and the band were brimming with good ideas. There was a definite 'nu' flavour which I personally found a little bit waring but the combination of this with big riffs and a bit of old school posing worked marvellously at times. I was only disappointed with the lack of a Security-scaring stage dive after the singer climbed that hallowed peak of the right-side speakers. But Echelon Blue got the thumbs up, I'll see them again and I suggest you do too.
IMPACT. I was not impressed with this lot at the Battle Of The Bands and I still have my reservations about hardcore punk and it's followers but I must confess that I was impressed with their performance. The temperature rose a tangible 3 degrees or so within seconds of their first song. Even a self-confessed indie kid like me couldn't escape the passion of the front man and his followers. It was like the followers of Dionysus you'll all remember from Greek Mythology. A horde of fans each mouthing the words, jumping and saluting as one. Impact screamed power and if you listened deeply there was an impressive level of musical finesse. The drummer impressed me particularly, with his polished fills and good time keeping. I got my stage dive too, as one "birthday boy" travelled serenely across the pit like a greasy pig. Impact, all is forgiven, you are as tight as the proverbial duck (but I still won't buy a T shirt).
MOOLIE rock. No doubt about it. Moolie are Bedford's favourite aunty who doesn't visit often enough but when she does she brings you those sweets you love and slips you a tenner into the bargain. Or maybe that's Sick on The Bus. Anyway, bad analogies aside, Moolie played a blinder from start to finish. Anyone who knows the guys (and that seems to be most of Bedford) will know the level of work they put into that band and boy does it show. The rhythm section were impeccable - bass and drums going together like John Travolta and Olivia Newton John, only better. The guitar riffs were inspired, the timing inventive and secure and the performance was as passionate as they come. The whole band looked like they were having the best night of their life. Funky, heavy, polished and fresh, Moolie deserve bigger things and I wish them all the luck in the world. Get your bad self down to The Lizard when this lot play in November and feel it for yourself.
Review by Thom Chapman.