Tom Irvine has a very healthy CV, working guitar duties with the likes of Hopetoun Brown, The Mercenaries and the Fleetwoods. For this album, his first, he has assembled a tight and cohesive ensemble with a rhythm section of Neill McCulloch (drums), Matt Shanks (bass). Added to that is the guitar playing and production of Dylan Storey, someone who has considerable experience and a back catalogue that is also worth exploring, and vocalists Jared Kahi and Steve Tofa.

With that line up, it's easy to go into this with a positive mindset. Under The Wharf - on first listen-comes across as comfortably mid-tempo laid back guitar pop/rock, tastefully played and produced. However, as behooves work of consequence, the collection reveals a lot more over the course of full and repeated listens. Primarily, Irvine proves himself to be a lyricist of real skill. There is a strong observational quality to the lyrical approach, and a real love of language in how the words are put together. Names that jump out are such storytellers like Don McGlashan and Paul Kelly and like them what Irvine understands is the way to match lyrical and melodic content. Listen to Untying the Knots for this skill at full effect- and, indeed, affect. One notes also, the use of an antipodean singing accent, something that is not as common today as one might expect, and something that adds real character to the vocals.

Added to this is the fact that this a musical ensemble of real skill, and as a consequence the playing throughout is supportive and the arrangements are focussed, considered and intelligent. It's really no surprise to see Mark Knopfler cited as an influence but to these ears that has not so much to do with specific playing techniques as it does to the overall sensibility and approach to arrangement.. The extensive and skilful use of backing vocals is something of a reminder of just how uncommon three part harmonies are at the moment- and how effective they are.

Put simply, this group plays and sings really well together, making strong settings for each song. Positive moments abound, but one could single out Love Gone Bad as a moment where it all comes together. It has harmonic interest, a well set melody, clever arrangement and sensitive playing . Listening wise, it's really worth hearing this song in context of the album. One really does feel drawn into this as you listen, and that is as strong an argument as any for writing songs to be enjoyed as part of a collection.

Under The Wharf is sensitive, intelligent and thoroughly realised collection of songs, with quality writing and playing throughout. Perhaps it might be nice to hear more exploration of tempo and dynamics, but at seven songs, there is no way that a listener is going to let that aspect get in the way of enjoying this.

• 1
  Head Like A Hole
• 2
  Horror Story
• 3
  Fraser Ross
• 4
  Fur Patrol
• 5
  Michelle Rounds
• 6
  L.A.B.
• 7
  The Boondocks
• 8
  Late to Chelsea
• 9
  Springloader
• 10
  Baconfoot

• 
  Nadia Reid @ Loons, Lyttelton - 16/11/2024
• 
  Pull Down The Sun @ Franks Bar, Whanganui - 15/11/2024
• 
  Elidi @ Franks Bar, Whanganui - 15/11/2024
• 
  Infinity Ritual @ Franks Bar, Whanganui - 15/11/2024

• 1
  APT.
  ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
• 2
  DIE WITH A SMILE
  Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
• 3
  BIRDS OF A FEATHER
  Billie Eilish
• 4
  TASTE
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 5
  I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
  Gracie Abrams
• 6
  ESPRESSO
  Sabrina Carpenter
• 7
  SAILOR SONG
  Gigi Perez
• 8
  LOSE CONTROL
  Teddy Swims
• 9
  A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
  Shaboozey
• 10
  GOOD LUCK, BABE!
  Chappell Roan

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