Darren Michaelangelo-Smith & The Kraze, Pirate Radio, Valentone, Ed Bowfinger - 15th February 2008
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
Modern World Promotions provided this evenings varied fare which started with an appearance by acoustic man Ed, better known to all and sundry as the ginger haired geezer from Bowfinger! As always, he is immaculately attired, plus for good measure, some Bowfinger mates are in the crowd to cheer him on and hear a different slant on these familiar songs. Immediately he comments that "It makes a nice change to be here without the band"! Lean and wiry, Ed constantly moves around the stage like a cross between Lee Evans and the Duracell bunny! It's hyper-visual throughout, no high stool or comfy chair for this acoustic lad. Musically, I thought the stripped down Bowfinger songs worked well, especially "38" and the poppy "Action girl" which closed Ed's engaging set.
Two bands, not seen at Esquires for a long time filled the middle positions. It was certainly a strange decision to slot Valentone on to the bill tonight. Their opening salvo is the grungy "No More, No More" which seems to alienate them from a large slice of the audience. There's no let up either when new song, the rockin' "I Go Back Home" is performed. For me, they earn praise for a totally whole-hearted effort, even if their guitar-vocalist did resemble 'Garth' from Wayne's World through my rather lager tinted glasses!
It's a warm Esquires welcome back to Luton's Pirate Radio, who have changed their drummer since the last time I saw them. She is now a he!! Unfortunately I couldn't track them down afterwards to find out the whole story. However this indie rock trio still pack a powerful punch. Of the set this evening, its "If You Think, Move, Dance" and the semi-funky "Scenesters" that really grab my attention, with it's lyrical waxings about people around music and fashion, while the savage punky blast of "Anti-social Negotiations" cuts to the bare bone.
Returning again, and almost an adopted Bedfordian, is Darren Michaelangelo Smith, this time with his band The Kraze. A second viewing for me and the boys are beginning to paint a picture of their musical style. It's pitched somewhere between The Rumblestrips and Dead 60's, glossed with a retro mod exterior shell. Ska dominates the opening "Say a Lil' Prayer". Controlled aggression abounds from the sinister "Nuffin but Trouble". D.M.S. and The Kraze also showcase their forthcoming single "Same Old Story", which they hope to release in a couple of months. Of their tight set tonight, my favourite has to be "On the Dancefloor", which includes a brass intro to precede this sumptiously light lovers rock tune. A repective cover of Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher" emphasises this bands all round appeal.