Inverse Order
Kings Arms tavern, Auckland
Friday February 12, 2010
Review and photography by Renee Kirk
I’ve been meaning to get to an Inverse Order gig for a while now and finally I can cross it off my list. Not only that, but I was impressed with what I saw... and that is no mean feat considering I’m not exactly a rock music aficionado.
Neil Fraser (vocals), Thomas Watts (guitar), James Dylan (bass) and Bevan Dunning (drums) make up the local four piece. They’ve been around for a while, releasing an EP in 2008 and a single last year, yet are still relatively unknown. They’re in that all too familiar limbo, like so many other Kiwi bands and artists, just waiting for their big break.
The boys were welcomed on stage by a small but enthusiastic crowd at The Kings Arms and started their set on a high note.
After the first two songs, ‘Salt Trees’ and ‘Beginners’, I could see why the group had built up such a strong following among their fans. Delivering clever and creative lyrics and showing their expert musicianship Inverse Order owned the stage.
They injected plenty of energy into their performance, though perhaps a little too much from Watts. While no one could accuse him of being boring or fault his obvious enthusiasm, I did find his performance style a little distracting.
The real highlights were towards the end of the set as the group performed ‘Quell’ and then ‘Better Not’, both of which were released last year.
‘Quell’ was a beautifully moody rock-ballad, if such a thing exists. The opening and subsequent verses led seamlessly into a catchy, up-tempo chorus. Stylish and sophisticated, this song delivered musically and conveyed plenty of emotion.
‘Better Not’ was a similarly stylish number, uniquely acoustic but still throwing out plenty of alternative-rock kick.
All too soon the set came to an end and I was left thinking about the bands’ possible influences. Tool definitely, Radiohead for sure, maybe a little Faith No More and The Killers also?
Whoever or whatever they’ve taken inspiration from there’s no doubt in my mind Inverse Order are very much their own band with their own sound and their own style.
Clever riffs, mean hooks and sharp drumming is just the beginning. These guys deliver technically and use their combined talents to full advantage. They manage to create a layered sound that is sometimes dark and desperate but travels many shades of grey also.
Rock music for those who appreciate musicianship.
Rock music for those who demand more.
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