Outfit/Gross Magic/Amusement
Green Door Store, Brighton
30/08/2011

Liverpool’s Outfit are not a band to be pigeonholed. Already touted as ones to watch in 2011, their refreshingly limited online presence gives the impression of a band all too wary of being prematurely categorized. This, coupled with the surreal quality of their music, suggests that this bunch are going places. Nice places.

Before this, though, there are two other bands on show tonight. First up, are local boys Amusement. Playing a handful of synth-led numbers, their music has a compelling, contemplative quality; the pick of the bunch being the more guitar-heavy ‘Low’. Promising stuff. Next on the bill is Gross Magic. Based around energetic frontman Sam McGariggle, it’s hard not to love this band. A refreshing blend of grungy, Nirvana-tinged riffs and glittery pop sensibilities, their sound is irresistible. The focal point is McGarrigle’s voice; like a hyper-effeminate Billy Corgan, his vocals are drenched with emotion, cutting through you in the most satisfying of ways. Highlights are ‘Teen Jamz’ and ‘Sweetest Touch’, but Gross Magic’s whole set tonight is pretty great.

After a short break, Outfit finally take to the stage, and it’s an understated entrance, with half the crowd seemingly still in the bar. They start with ‘Vehicles’, a song that encapsulate what this band are all about. Imbued with a clear sense of yearning, the song rises beautifully and succeeds in being entirely mesmerising. They then launch into ‘Every Night I Dress Up As You’, showcasing a perfect blend of melody and rhythm, while still retaining an affectingly mournful air. After two more tracks of similarly enchanting quality, the quintet launch into the breathtaking ‘Two Islands’. An expression of the pains of loneliness, it swells until breaking point, finally launching into a fantastically effective guitar solo – the kind that isn’t just self-indulgence, but actually furthers the emotional value of the song. And with that, they’re gone, leaving Brighton to sing their praises and yearn for more. Outfit, we impatiently wait for your return.

Jet Vevers