Muso's Guide - Displaying items by tag: live review

Natalie Prass, Mono, Glasgow

26 June, 2015
Published in Live

Following a self-titled debut album as beautiful as it was delayed (i.e. considerably), the subsequent tour dates gave Virginia singer-songwriter Natalie Prass the opportunity to showcase that things aren't always so delicate. Taking the Disney-esque picture illustrated on Natalie Prass the songstress' live performance, complete with a three-piece band, injects some energy and the ample amount of endearing crowd interaction into the mix.

Whilst retaining the vulnerability portrayed in her lyrics, Prass ensures that she may be wounded in love, but is far from a damsel in distress with her confident and energetic stage presence. Casually chatting with the crowd throughout intermittent guitar problems, and wandering among the front rows during a number of songs, this is certainly a talented artist. Additionally with the subtle changes in pace and style on some of the tracks, it is equally evident that Prass is versatile performer.

One obvious example of this alteration of composition is 'Christy', on record it is an endearing track of simply vocals and strings, but performed by the electricity-fuelled quartet it is given an new lease of life and sheds its "fragile" label. Something that doesn't alter however is the voice of Prass, which is as captivating and haunting as ever, and just as commanding yet sweet as you'd imagine from only hearing the album.

The likes of 'Bird Of Prey' and 'My Baby Don't Understand Me', the album's more upbeat singles are also injected with a little more pizazz, as the inherent energy of the live setting makes those melodies drive your urge to dance and sway a little harder. All set in a considerably hip, vegan cafe and record shop, with the late evening sun shining in... it is something as a spectacle as Prass and trio do their thing on stage.

To add to the enjoyment, some excellent covers including Ryan Adams and The Supremes (an encore that wasn't an encore) add to the occasion, whilst 'Jazz' (or maybe 'Jass') provides a blistering example of what is to come. The new track is unrecognisable next to the entity of Natalie Prass as is hurtles along with blazing guitar in an indie-rock twister, it's possibly the best track of the night.

Short of piling on further praise for Prass, simply remember that her music is wonderful, she got to appear on German morning TV, and you should probably consider her for your favourite artist of 2015.

Toy Soldier, The Grand Social, Dublin

02 June, 2015
Published in Live

Toy Soldier are here in the Grand Social tonight launching their new EP Breathe. It’s been three years since their debut album Calling Up The Dusk. The EP features new singer Fionnuala Curran.

There are about 100 people here tonight, not bad for a Thursday night but a band with their ability deserves more. The new release and video should garner them some attention in that regard.

Guitarist Cian Walsh and drummer Fergal McCarthy take their places at either side of the stage as a feedback lead intro builds to a crescendo and McCarthy hammers his drums into life. He beats his skins like a metal drummer and the result is visceral, particularly for those near the front.

Fionnuala appears from the wings in a hood and cloak and joins in on beats for the opening song 'Garden of Eden'. The sound is poor initially. The engineer seems unfamiliar with the band and it is some way into the set before the sound cleans up. When the mix does improve, Toy Soldier shine.

They make a big sound for a three piece. All three line up at the front of the stage and the set-up is rewarding visually as the audience get a clear view of McCarthy’s animalistic, tribal drumming and intriguing hybrid analogue/ digital drum kit.

The drums are very much the lead instrument with all else slave to the beat. There are a lot of layers to the songs. Curran’s lead vocals make for strong songs with big choruses and each member of the group is also singing throughout.

Walsh’s dirty guitars lend another dimension to the set, helping Toy Soldier avoid sounding like just another beat- heavy pop group. They project a danceable, post punk sound and add a sleazy groove that’s reminiscent of Queens of the Stone Age or Bon Scott-era AC/DC. The lack of a bass player is more than compensated for by Fergal’s programming, making for a good mix of electronic and organic music.

Comparisons to recent and older acts run rife through the room; Human league and Ting Tings especially. They have been compared to Blondie in the past but I don’t see it; except for their drummer who does come across a little like Clem Burke.

There's no shortage of quality floor fillers here tonight. Lead single 'Breathe' stokes the crowds enthusiasm. A smooth and smart reworking of Everything But The Girl's 'Missing' is greeted with rapture.

Toy Soldier are still raw. They look the part. They have the songs, the theatricality, and the potential to go a long way. They are diamonds in the rough waiting for a chance to sparkle.