Two years on from their formation in a Merseyside mansion, known as ‘The Lodge’, Outfit have released their debut full-length Performance. Penned-in amongst the hedonistic revelry of this claustrophobic but creative home, the five-piece were exposed to a plethora of musical influences that shaped, not only the record, but the band’s direction as a whole.
The sound they have honed has sparked comparisons with the likes of Hot Chip and New Order, but in truth they aren’t all that easy to place, and the ten tracks that make up this impressive self-produced first release show off that all-important characteristic; versatility.
With its late-night hue, ‘Nothing Big’ welcomes us into the record; the metronomic, almost foreboding rhythm and hypnotising chorus entices and intrigues before the gentle, linear opening to ‘I Want What’s Best‘ feels its way through the dark into another subliminal vocal refrain. There is an inherent haunting nature about the journey the record takes us on: stark chromaticism and bustling industrial layers of noise make ‘House On Fire’ as unsettling as it is infectious. The subtext is that of self-persuasion; “We get on like a house on fire”, repeats and repeats in an attempt to convince, but the underlying concern created by the accompanying sound implies anything but a positive relationship.
This unease develops and grows through to a turning-point, the smooth, bass-driven ‘Elephant Days’, into something more comfortable, even uplifting. Aptly entitled ‘Thank God I Was Dreaming’ is awash with bucolic ambience and natural imagery, but the juxtaposition between sounds and words continues: “Thank God I’m dreaming of the day that I die/I won’t forget this one” softly floats out above its sparse surroundings; ‘The Great Outdoors’ is a slow-burning soundtrack to a moonlit walk, before an old favourite provides an album highlight.
‘Two Islands‘ comes “skipping through the treetops” to brilliantly wrap-up proceedings. It may have emerged over two years ago, but it remains a funky, melodic ode to self-discovery; the “I don’t know anyone else/I don’t know anyone else in here” refrain speaks volumes, transcending listeners and allowing for all manner of interpretations.
The plethora of instruments and FX on display go hand-in-hand with their effortless ability to explore intricate tonality, not settling for simple structures makes for a record that effortlessly holds the attention without an iota of pretentiousness. In Performance, Outfit have delivered an entirely accomplished debut with the depth to keep you interested through every listen – magical stuff.
- George O’Brien
Performance is available now on Double Denim. You can order it here.