Live Review: Kirin J Callinan, Scattered Order, Four Door

From the moment they walked into Oxford Art Factory fans had no choice but to be swept up in the chaos that ensued.

Four Door kicked the synth-heavy night off with beats that, while good, had perhaps too much of a Friday night vibe for the small crowd that had gathered in the venue early in the night.

Next up was Scattered Order who acted as a preview of what was to come. Like the man that was to hit the stage after them, Scattered Order created a somewhat forceful soundscape. Coupled with the flashing images projected on the screen behind them, their performance was intense and almost violent and left the crowd literally anxious for more.

There are some gigs you go to where everyone walks out chatting about what they've just seen. Kirin J Callinan doesn't have that effect on people. This is not because there is nothing to talk about. In fact, it's quite the opposite.  What Callinan manages to do is leave his audience completely and utterly enthralled.

Callinan is captivating from the moment he walks on stage. His presence is all encompassing and his music is even more so. Even his stare is penetrating and at times, being close to the stage, I feel as if he is staring directly at me. It's obvious however, that Callinan manages to have this effect on everyone around me, all of whom can't seem to take their eyes off him.

Callinan's live show is intense and somewhat theatrical but that's the beauty of it.

He's played as a member of various bands – notably Mercy Arms and Jack Ladder – but there's no doubting the fact that Callinan thrives as a solo artist.

Seeing the man live really brings light to the comparisons that have been made to Nick Cave. Callinan even looks a little like Cave – dark hair, fair skin and slender – but it his baritone vocals and the intensity with which he releases them on the audience that is the true point of comparison.

Callinan's singles were the highlights of the night. WIIW is chaotic and violent but showcases his instrumental strength. Conversely, Thighs draws attention to the beauty of Callinan's vocals and his ability to create intimacy and moments of calm above all the noise. It is this that is the true strength of a performer who looks as if he'll be captivating many more audiences in the future.