When I reviewed their last single, Picture, I said I could tell Odds & Ends had a sense of humour just from the cover, and that is the case again as here we have a digital release which features a pile of cassettes (which are apparently very much in fashion again, although I have no idea why). That song saw them break the Top 40 Singles chart, while it was in the Top 10 NZ Singles, and it is possible to see this going the same way. The guys have a wonderfully infectious pop rock style which sees them creating songs which are at home on the radio as they are in the live environment. This starts with the rhythm section creating a bright beat, and two guitars combining well, with one being picked but muted, but when Koen starts singing, they both drop away so it is just him, bass, and drums. This simple arrangement creates for quite a different beginning, meaning that when they all come back in there is a real sense of dynamics.
The more the song progresses the more attention we get from the arrangement, which manages to combine both funk and reggae in what is very much an alternative pop rock setting. With everyone singing it is no surprise that we get harmony gang vocals in the chorus, which works very well, again creating a contrast between other areas of the song. There are times when this is quite Split Enz in styling, and I am sure they have been paying close attention to the Finn brothers as this is very much in the Kiwi pop rock vein and is all the better for it. They have an all ages show coming up soon at Tuning Fork and that will be one not to miss.
With four principal songwriters and influences drawn from alt-rock, indie-pop, jazz, and funk, Odds & Ends are truly unique. The four musicians’ fusion of genres makes for a cohesiveness moving through the many sides this four-piece possesses. With countless local shows under their belt, these four musicians are ready to take on whatever challenge is tossed at their feet.
"If there is one thing I have noticed in the past time with the guys it’s that Odds and Ends put on shows that are anything but cliche. With numerous influences, we tie genres together from indie all the way to funk." ~ Max Earnshaw
Based in the depths of Auckland, New Zealand, Odds & Ends pride themselves in the fusion of multiple melodies and harmonies at the high-energy level of their live performance. All this is achieved while the four friends stay completely human, down to earth, and are the friendliest band you will meet in today’s scene.