Outside In - Single Review - The Garden of Light
Outside In is the progressive rock project from Aucklanders Jonnie Barnard on guitar, singer/keyboardist/guitarist Mikey Brown, drummer Adam Tobeck, and Elliott Park on bass.
Whilst the group have been making waves in Aotearoa’s alt-rock communities for years and years, admittedly, I had not yet properly listened to Outside In before, only experiencing them live once. So, what better way to get acquainted with their music than with their latest single The Garden of Light.
The song is phrased in 5/4 time signature, held steady throughout with a mid-tempo bassline. Matched with hauntingly delicate lead-singing that soar into grandiose choruses, its power is brought to the foreground by the backing vocals.
‘Delicate’ and ‘lush’ were the key words when guitar parts were written, with an adventurous juxtaposition between delicate-sounding picked notes and ambient sustain, through to the suitably-grunty lead in the final passages of the song.
The song does well in painting an aural landscape, the keyboard and lead guitar flowing and floating, and the drumming and bass guitar seeming to add weight to the flight.
Speaking of landscapes, the lyrics appear to address the current state of the world, namely environmental problems and the approach mankind ought to take to remedy the situation. It’s arguably the heaviest aspect of the song, and frankly, they’re not bad topics to discuss in this day and age.
The Garden of Light is a well thought-out piece of progressive alt-rock; balancing beautiful guitar sounds, with a bold chorus, the song has brawn but stays light on the in-your-face technicality that some progressive bands tend to overdo. The singing is also worthy of mention, dynamic and engaging.
If epic progressive or alternative-rock that doesn’t plod along and is your thing then be sure to give The Garden of Light a few spins. And while you’re at it, follow them on their Facebook page, and look out for their next gig.
About Outside In
Outside In have a great future ahead of them. Hopefully this album gains notice outside New Zealand – something many great Kiwi bands have struggled to do. Kia kaha, Outside In – karawhiua! Rating: 9.5/10 - The Progressive Aspect
“This is crossover progressive rock for the 21st century, influenced by more recent acts than many within the scene, creating a sound which is looking both to the recent past and also for the future. Outside In, the prog band from the end of the world you have never heard of.” - ProgArchives
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Outside In
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