The Dilenquents + Slave to Nature + The Radiating Eyes + Abadden - 31st October 2008
Reviewed by Martin Stapleton
I read a quote this morning that stated “There is nothing funny about Halloween; this sarcastic festival reflects rather an inferior demand for revenge by children on the adult world!” Perhaps a tad harsh, but then I didn’t get a visit by the trick or treat youngsters. No broken eggs outside my front door when I arrived home after massively enjoying this spirited and themed evening. It’s a Bedford Alternative Music promotion and is hosted naturally enough by the mine host Count Dracula himself, although he did bare a slight resemblance to Mr. ‘Keef’ Pickering!
With metal opposing punk, our first guests are Dunstable’s ABADDEN whose heavy slabs of melodic noise impress. It is at all times fast and loud and the good sized crowd are quick to seize the chance to mosh. ‘My Misery’ detonates to the extent that the stage literally shakes with an awesome velocity all created by these free spirited youngsters. They are quick to announce that a demo is being processed for the 4th November to download. As with this in mind it’s only logical to include a featured track. ‘The Day Of Reckoning’ brings a closure to their all out blistering assault that leaves a sizeable collection of ear drums almost obliterated!
Could the following punks THE RADIATING EYES rise to the challenge. Well, with their brazen fuzzy guitars primed for action they create a sound sure to remove any fog distorted demons hanging around this musky old structure. Their raw ruthless assault executes a sound so wound up with fury. It exudes more pent up rage than hell itself. Ben, Dazz, Luke and Charlie have a debut album to launch and promote, tonight they showcase the songs live, in all their glory. 'Scum', 'Denmark Street' and 'Parasite City' are especially energetic and with the whole overall set, I once again look forward to the next instalment of The Radiating Eyes with bated breath.
I seem to be alone in my judgement of SLAVE TO NATURE. The crowd seem overly excited, while I’m afraid I try hard to stifle the yawns. They certainly know how to orchestrate plenty of audience participation, 'The Silence' sees practically everyone with their arms in the air while later on the metallers engage in the always tricky art of organising a crowd sing-along. As the set reaches its zenith, the head spinning and whirling rotation becomes more elaborate and exaggerated. For me it just masks the musical limitations.
After a quick visit from the novelty FAKE DILENQUENTS, its time for the real deal headliners. I’m surprised to learn that time moves so quickly when Richard reveals that this gig marks the third anniversary of THE DILENQUENTS first Esquires appearance. Tonight they are back to their 2005 original line-up, plus adding Mr. Monster Mash (from L.M.S) to do his keyboard wizardry. The quartet then proceed to ply us with a psyche blues bone rattle that I would feel all self respecting zombie gonzos in attendance would and must surely die for. Jason takes on most of the lead vocals but it still leaves time for Richard to perform his excellent Johnny Cash rendition.
All in all an excellent spooky evening which is made more special by the wonderful and amazing fancy dress attire worn by the constantly high spirited audience. I know I struggled to recognise so many folks in their fancy dress outfits.