Formed in 1995 by Brummies Mike Stokes and ex-Pop Will Eat Itself bassist Richard Marsh, Bentley Rhythm Ace have always acknowledged that the big-beat scene is more of a car-boot sale than a boutique. But now that their fusion of hip-hop, funk and jazz has become something of an anachronism, can the Bentley boys survive?
Having released a second album, For Your Ears Only, on Brighton's Skint label, the band has recruited ex-Black Grape singer Kermit to add some furiously soulful vocals over the bass-lines and frenetic rhythms. Kermit also features on the next single, How'd I Do Dat?, which was one of the better tracks of the night. With its Two Tone jauntiness and its breathless refrain, it's obviously destined for the top 10.
Bentley like to make a big noise, and it is structured by jumping-bean bass-lines. Then they add a few splashes of guitar, some jazzy keyboards, and a procession of samples, or Kermit works the voice-box to add a much-needed vocal. Theme from Gutbuster, their last single, exemplified their sound: annoyingly catchy, and gaudy as hell. Midway through the gig, the Bentley racket lost its powers of discrimination and congealed in an ineffective sonic sludge. Only Kermit's spirited vocals rose above the bass-laden monotony.
For the encore, Bentley's Gonna Sort You Out!, from their first album, all the elements came together to mesmeric effect, though this only emphasised how the band has since lost its way.