Gig Review: Logic Defies Logic @ Ding Dong Lounge, Auckland – 23/03/17

Logic Defies Logic are a band of excellent kiwi musicians currently residing in Melbourne, Australia. They’ve been on a 6 date tour through New Zealand and Australia to promote their new album Magic and Science. I was lucky enough to attend their Auckland show at the Ding Dong Lounge.

These guys are seriously talented and brimming with charisma and showmanship. The singer Tarquin Keys has in my opinion one of the best voices in Rock and Metal any where. With a full arsenal of everything you could possibly want in a voice. One of the best Metal screams in the game he also has an amazing range, tone and a mean vibrato. Imagine the screaming skills of Phil Anselmo the pitch and vibrato of Layne Staley combined with the range of Maynard James Keenan and you’d be getting close to the anomaly that is Tarquin Keys. 

Everyone in the band is a master at their instrument and oozing Rock n Roll swagger. I especially enjoyed the showmanship of guitarist extraordinaire Olly Wright who’s signature Tonguing of the thumb in between guitar solos had me cracking a smile every time he did it.

Bassist Matt Hewlett and Drummer Dom Ryan are the backbone of the band and what a back bone it is. Matt has this crazy technique where he uses his thumb as a pick and his animated stage presents is awesome to watch live. Dom Ryan is pure genius on the drums just really hard hitting, tight and precise. Together they put on a spectacular live performance.

Their music is eclectic and energetic and they’re just really fun to watch. The stand out song for me was their viciously heavy song Demolitia It really got my attention and being in the middle of their set served as the pinnacle of the night for me. Setting the floor awash with long haired youths whipping their manes furiously to the heavy chugging Pantera-esk riff. 

The Ding Dong Lounge had a moderate turn out of hardcore supporters with one guy on crutches wearing a T Shirt from Tarquin’s previous band Machete Justice. Of course he snapped up the new album because he obviously knows what’s hot. For a Thursday night and a bar that charges $10 a drink, I thought the turn out wasn’t bad considering. The thirty or so people there including myself had a really great time and I can’t wait until they roll through town again. I’m sure their fame would have spread far and wide by then and they’ll need a bigger venue.