HeKz + Haze Of Judgement + Hatespire - 29th April 2010
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
2009 could very well have been described as anus horribilus for young metallers HeKz. A serious back operation that incapacitated drummer Kirk Brandham derailed the band's attempts to promote their EP 'Orfeo', which was recorded prior to Kirk's problems. Here in the intimate confines of Danny's Bar, they are back with us for what vocalist Matt describes as their first proper Esquires gig for nearly two years.
In their lifespan, which was firstly Bedford Metal and now Bedford Alternative Music, their leader Keith Pickering has promoted so many young bands. HeKz are without doubt one of their success stories. In their five year career they have grown and matured before our very eyes. With their setbacks behind them, 2010 is the year of 'Tourfeo'. As they assemble and set up, one's gaze is immediately drawn to the staggering sight of guitarist Al Beveridge's bright and lurid tight gold trousers! I instantly think that he has lost a bet with fellow axe-man Danny. Putting that aside, this is a band who, for me, continue to tick all the right boxes. With the brothers Young at the helm, which other rock 'n' roll band shares that distinction?!!!
Matt is, of course, the consumate frontman, describing in brief detail an intro story to most of their set. A case in point being 'As Darkness Falls', it tells of a bold journey on foot down Bromham Road, or perhaps not! When the Colliseum crumbles, we are talking 'As Rome Burns'. Continually blessed with hook heavy clarity, Matt leads his charges with a no nonsense raised fist. His versatile vocal range is amazing and demonstrated later on when he tries to encourage the crowd to scale the octaves. He is right when he sings 'I am the One', while Vic Reeves will be honoured to know that they covered 'Black Night'! The show ends in a rather messy way as Danny fires off a glitter bomb to keep the cleaner busy tomorrow morning!
Tonights H-fest is HeKz, Haze Of Judgement, Hatespire and, most importantly I feel, Hair - lots of it! Local five piece Hatespire mix metal with electronica. One of the band has a Roland A-X synth strapped to his body. It's their first gig and they showed confidence. They certainly had the throng of youngsters jumping wildly around. This was also the case for London quartet Haze Of Judgement. Here at the request of HeKz, they posess a vocalist who barks and growls past the gates of hell and certainly beyond. Perhaps at times it was a touch overwrought. I did enjoy "Tomb". It's about The Mummy, a fact that drew a historical comment from a friend thus, Imhotep was the royal architect and not the Pharoah.