Apology - I am a fan , so please expect a happy fan's review - if you want criticism go to the broadsheets.............
This gig was :
Really, really cool. Three years on, happily married and with a two piece backing band Nerina Pallot played live again, on the wings of her new and excellent album, "The Graduate". She was cool, sassy, unassuming and hilarious by turn. A fantastic musician and singer who can write a great song - she delivered on every song. The last time I had seen her was on her Fires tour at Regents Park and that was a great concert - but this was a stronger, more mature gig - with a three piece set up there's nowhere to hide and it gave the music a more raw , rockier feel especially when she moved from from keyboards to electric guitar (Gibson sg - cool guitar!). Her band were tight and provided an excellent base for her performance. Highspots of the concert , for me, were Real Late Starter, Everything's Illuminated, When Did I Become Such A Bitch?, her encore of Sophia, and Geek Love is always a joy. But a live performance is about more than just the music, it's about personality and Nerina always puts so much of herself into every show, her gigs wouldn't be the same without her conversation. This is a stage, after all. She expressed surprise that after three years out of the loop people would still come out to see her, but I think that her music is longlived, lyrically inventive and witty (not too many top 20 songs with 'propensity' used in the lyrics) and she has a great ear for melody and that breeds a loyal fan base who look forward to her return whether it's after one year or three!
A fantastic gig and , hey - cool shoes!!
Kudos to both supports who were like chalk and cheese - Todd Kuffner (You Tube competition winner) brought a great voice and excellent guitar skills to the stage. Although nervous (he hadn't gigged much) His set was entertaining and songs were tight.
Johnathan Jeremiah by comparison just slipped into a groove and had a very loose vibe going on. Very confident with strong songs.
