Crimson Dream + Ascension + Kain + The Sassy Judys - 18th June 2010
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
It's a fact! World Cup football has taken over Esquires. It's reached fever tonight as England are pitting their footballing skills against their counterparts Algeria. To complement this nationalistic fervour, Bedford Alternative Music has brought us an evening of live music which, as is their style, veers more towards the heavy side. Opening, and offering a sleaze rock shout, are The Sassy Judys who hail from the concrete jungle that is Milton Keynes. This quartet comprise Callum 'C-Davy' Mangold-Jackson (guitarist, lead vocals), James Terrill (guitar), James Garvey (drums) and bassist/mentalist Arron 'Topper' Ramone. Combining all of their differing musical backgrounds, the lads have moulded a sound from a variety of influences, namely punk, metal and even a sixties theme courtesy of The Rolling Stones (they cover "Jumping Jack Flash"). The Sassy Judys are new to Esquires and have started work on their debut EP, which they hope to have completed by mid summer. Their set is competent, if a little unspectacular. A couple of songs do stand out. "Vultures" is a classic rock commandment, fully loaded with 'widdly' guitar solos which they produce in abundance. Also of note is "Love and madness".
Kain return! Obviously the seasoned 'pros' amongst the young musical pups. They acknowledge that there is a football match of importance being played out. Vocalist Ralph asks repeatedly "Have we scored yet?" (the game ends 0-0). This cocksure frontman has his own statement of intent prior to "Faithless"; "Revenge is the only thing worth waiting for"! Ah Ralph, such words of wisdom spoken from the heart. Indeed, on a night such as this when the heavy sounds can blend into one distended noise level, the vocals can become the filter test. The key to, if not the originality, then the bands' personality. On these grounds Kain score highly. Oh yes, they brought the biggest suitcase of tunes to the party. This quartet of desperadoes are solid and dependable, but seem to be totally alien to the younger elements gathered here tonight. The set, although short, has a raw sound. The PA has to be fully sympathetic to their all-encompassing rock ideas to produce a full and bludgeoning reality. "SWNN" is relatively new and is about loving someone a little too much. The lads are angling for epic soaring rock, achieved to some degree by "The Dog God", described loosely as being about Big Brother! Ralph enquires "anybody been watching it?". With the football reaching underwhelming proportions, Ralph concedes "it's all over bar the shouting" as the band play out with "Know".
A favourite local band of mine are Ascension, who continue to stimulate my musical senses. They set the pulses racing with a tight and furious set, full of awesome vocals, guitar driven metal and backed by some seriously wicked drum beats. Mikey, although small in stature, is a 'raging growler', munching on wood splinters no doubt! This is a young band who combine some uncompromised brutality with genuine melody and feeling. Its a spirited racket that, at times, reaches a sonic cacophony. They explode with suitably violent concision. In fact, the live shows are both crushing and entertaining.
Please everybody, blow your vuvuzela bacause it's Stevie D's birthday and his band Crimson Dream are headlining. His indulgence is high as he dons shiny, tight red trousers and yeti boots (perhaps they were presents?). Oh really! Birthday or not, this band do test my patience to the very limit. A five piece with keyboards, their opening song is a deadly piece called "The Edge of Darkness". "The Vocals Inside" is of similar ilk. With mediocrity rearing it's inevitable head, a welcome guest steps on stage to give his personalised birthday present. It's Matt "HeKz" Young. This is a welcome addition and his vocal range is a joy to behold. It makes up for the rest of the set. The phony shouts for some ersatz rabble rousing are slightly tiresome, but we will give them the birthday benefit of the doubt. The finale is pure Tiswas (old TV programme) circa 1982 as it ends with a very messy flan fight, of which Stevie D is the main target.