Tue 14 Jun 2011
Idiot Prayer, Alizarin Lizard: 12 Below 11/06/11
When Alizarin Lizard took to the stage the crowd also took to the floor. And so they should have. This was a confident band that reveled in the delight of playing music they obviously like and enjoy playing. The swashbuckling charm of these guys is infectious and was quickly embraced by an enthusiastic and appreciative audience.
Paul Cathro is the master of underplayed showmanship as the band groove, peak and edge towards the conclusion of a fine and intricate set that ebbed and flowed like the Titanic in a gushing river heading towards rocks, and surviving just. The stage lights went off for a while, leaving them in a warm red glow, but to the credit of the band they kept going...only remarking after a few songs "It's pretty dark in here", or something like that.
Idiot Prayer shuffled on stage and exploded into their set with a very original dynamic pulsating thrust that I have read about. This is a band who can work aloof presence with musical connection in a manner that is quite breathtaking. Building on the powerful and uncompromising rhythm section of Sam and Dave - a more together and stronger duo you would be hard pressed to find in NZ, let alone the resurgent Dunedin scene - is the jagged and impressive guitar work of Tim Smith, who creates a perfect third part to the circle of inventive music the band deliver.
Again, clearly enjoying playing and passionate about their music, this band thumped, thudded and created a top layer of chaotic, uplifting and organic sounds that didn't need interaction with the audience, as it was almost a presence in itself. The infrequent, often strained vocals added a fourth sinew to a very powerful performance that I really enjoyed.
scurvydog
