GIG REVIEW: Kate Nash
- Posted on November 14, 2007 11:15 PM
- 0 comments
Kate Nash
Shepherd's Bush Empire
13th November 2007
Review by Katie Spain
"My fingertips are holding on to the cracks in our foundations..."
The crowd at Kate Nash's Shepherd's Bush gig is young; young and female. Sure, the odd guy strolls by but most of them are accompanied by a cloud of oestrogen packed bodies. The stage decorations reflect the fan base; a kitschy mix of girly and camp. Enid Blyton herself could have designed the coloured trees, horse shaped shrub and coloured balloons. It's a multi-coloured wonderland fit for the red-head darling of modern music.
From my third level vantage point, the multi-coloured lights that shower over support band (number one) make me feel like I've swallowed a handful of magic mushrooms. The dreadlocked groovers on stage take us from Shepherd's Bush to Jamaica (via Amsterdam baby). I like it, I like it a lot. This isn't music this crowd seems familiar with but they warm to it immediately. Full marks to Miss Nash or whoever took musical enlightenment of the masses on board.
A rousing poetry performance by Kate's mate (insert name here... I can't for the life of me find out) pushed artistic boundaries further. She's witty, cute, bold and she rhymes about Rolph Harris; A winner every time. As the clock ticks past nine, we're hit with the final and most gloriously random support act I've seen in a long time. They fling a mix of electronica, guitars and theatrics in our face. Lyrics don't kick in until the fourth song as some fans behind me throw their arms about in the air. These guys are like the love children of The Pet Shop Boys and Blue Man Group. In a somewhat surreal way, they pave a crazy path for Kate Nash. It feels a little bit like a UK talent fair for Nash mates but at least there's no boredom involved. In fact, it's at an all time pre-gig low.
By the time the leading lady hits the stage it's pushing 9.45pm. She's backed by drums, guitar and a leggy violinist in a sequinned dress and the crowd shriek with high-pitched joy. Someone should design a cartoon character based on Miss Nash. Tonight, a flowing red skirt, belted waist and black top with just a touch of cleavage are her uniform of choice; A nice one too.
The masses obviously adore the straight talking pop princess and sing along to every word fired out between her lips. The seats up here are as uncomfortable as sin but I’m too camera dazed to care. If there's one thing that gives me gig rage it's kids who hold their camera out, mid song, turn it around and take photos of themselves (and your startled face). Again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again. See, it's even annoying in print.
As Kate whips through the tunes from her debut album 'Made Of Bricks', the crowd gets louder. They clap from the first chorus and don't stop for the rest of the gig. They only shut up for an acoustic tune when Kate tells them to. It’s mass fun for the people downstairs; I wish I'd donned some sparkly Dorothy shoes and hit the beer soaked 'dance floor'. But, at the end of a long day this music doesn't demand too much thought. Sometimes all that's needed is a good story twisted around a catchy melody - and that dear gig-goers is what Kate Nash does best.
Her new single 'Mouthwash' rocks the stalls and of course, 'Foundations' sends fingers flying skywards. Even lesser known acoustic tracks stir up mass sing-alongs. The fans it seems are smitten.
Sure, it's a short set but the quality of tunes is good. Even I'm taken back to the days where boys caused heartache and the human race confused me. Hang on, it still does...
That's the draw card here - this music is a fun trip down memory lane and a stark representation of life as it is for the younger generation. "I wish I was your favourite girl, I wish my smile was your favourite kind of smile". Beautiful. I'm hardly a nana (yet) but something clicks for the young girls in front of me. There is a connection being made - Kate Nash speaks their language.
To people in my homeland of Australia, the likes of Lilly Allen and Kate Nash are perceived as what young English girls are like. You know what, in the day and age of Vicky Pollards it's not a bad stereotype to have. This was a fine night of entertainment by a seemingly wholesome and realistic role model. Curves, red locks and a straight talking nature. I left before the encore but only to make the last train home. Maybe I am approaching nana status after all.
One word of advice Kate... next time you put on a big show, lose the flashing blinker lights. The flashing cameras are bad enough - but that annoying technology took it one step too far. A few wacky props and your talent is all that's needed. Leave the flashing to the Blue Man Group.
VERDICT: Britney sang "I'm not a girl, not yet a woman..." Kate Nash, you're not a girl but you are now a fully fledged artist. Based on the crowd reaction, this gig was a winner.
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