Live
< Nina Nastasia at The Roundhouse, Camden
words by Chris Watkeys
Nina Nastasia has long floated on the periphery of our musical consciousness, quietly producing album after album of superb alternative folk.
In the remarkably refined surroundings of an all-seated Roundhouse, she takes a seat alone in front of a beautiful starry backdrop, pinpricks of bright white light shining out behind her. Nastasia’s music sometimes rings with a faint note of menace, is often steeped in melancholy, and tonight is delivered with such powerful clarity, you’re left reeling.
‘Stormy Weather’ is stuning in its simplicity, while ‘I’ve Been Out Walking’ is fraught with tangible tension. There are limits, however, to what one person can produce with just an acoustic guitar for company, so a mid-set lull is perhaps inevitable. Still, there are moments of humour - at one point, Nastasia gets a fan up on stage to hold up the lyrics for a new song. Her performance, however, stands up all by itself.
Exclusive for loudandquiet.com
