The quirky charm of cute (but equally ferocious) tell-it-like-it-is singer/songwriter, Kate Nash has done wonders for Britain piano-pop. Her cheeky attitude coupled with personal lyrics and a keen ear for melody made Nash a platinum UK force of raw disposition. But as Thursday night’s Newport Music Hall concert demonstrated, while a melodic London swagger might take you overseas on an American tour, you still need to mentally show up and perform.
Nash never quite looked settled and sang a terribly shoddy set. During almost every song, she either rushed the beat or fell behind and vocally played catch-up. A more than apt composer and singer, what really did her in was Nash’s misguided attempt to add angst to her what would be beautiful songs by screaming and losing key. And when this happened, which it did throughout most of the set, there was no turning back.
Lyrics that might be matter-of-fact, were still as thinly veiled as they are on her records. Songs like “Do-Wah-Doo” and “Kiss that Grrrl” fell flat and were unable to get a majority of the crowd motivated. But with lines like, “Watching me like you never watch no one /Don’t tell me that you didn’t try and check out my bum,” it’s really no wonder. How poetic.
Yet, all was not completely wasted with Kate Nash. For brilliant, but brief flashes, she did seem to locate herself and the rest of the band. “Mouthwash” and “I Hate Seagulls” showed the audience how Nash could still be an extraordinary music heroine for anyone scorned.
Nash’s live show does shed light on why the musical apple doesn’t fall too far from the relationship tree. Her longtime British beau, Ryan Jarman of indie-band The Cribs single-handedly put on one of the worst performances I’d ever witnessed at last year’s CD101 SummerFest. And that was with The Cribs harnessing all The Smiths power they could.
So what does it all mean?
It means that if Kate Nash and The Cribs ever share a bill, don’t let their eccentric charm fool you. It will not go well for anyone. But hey, at least they have each other.
This review was written by Josh Fitzwater and brought to you by the Franklin University Plaza at the LC Pavilion. For more information about shows that Josh and the Franklin crew will be attending and for chances to win tickets to concerts all year long, visit us on Facebook. Photography was provided by Matt Ellis at Three-Songs Photography.
