Rarely have disintegrating relationships been presented with more wry humor and musical cheer. However, it doesn't take close listening to recognize a healthy dose of emotional pain and cerebral bitterness. While some listeners may be turned off by the explicit language utilized by British newcomer Kate Nash, others will be well rewarded with razor sharp wit and pop arrangements that borrow from an expansive musical palette.
For Fans of Lily Allen
Kate Nash emerged from the MySpace social network in a similar fashion to her musical comrade Lily Allen. Those who are fans of Allen's approach will appreciate the arrestingly direct humor and sarcasm of Nash. However, the deceptively simple and quirky musical arrangements may draw in fans of female singer-songwriters like Regina Spektor and Fiona Apple.
Lyrical Immediacy
"My fingertips are holding on to the cracks in our foundation." This is the lead-in to the chorus of Kate Nash's "Foundations," her top 5 hit single at home in the UK. It is only a small sample of the immediacy of Nash's words that paint intimate vignettes of everyday situations with impressive clarity. The casual listener is likely to notice the occasional profanities first in the words of Kate Nash, but the lyrics for every song here are worth hearing. With couplets like "And, this, is my mind, it goes over and over the same old lines / And, this, is my brain, its torturous analytical thoughts make me go insane," listeners will not only see Kate Nash clearly but possibly also see their own reflection.
Top Tracks on Made of Bricks
- Foundations
- Mouthwash
- Birds
- Merry Happy
A New Voice of Distinction
Kate Nash's strong London accent makes her actual voice distinctive, but it is her words that are truly memorable. Whether she is telling the tale of "Mariella" and her glued lips or the attempt of a boy struggling to express his love for another in "Birds," this is a singer-songwriter worth hearing. The many relationships, and individuals, that suffer and sometimes fall apart across this album may make you feel an underlying sadness, but the cheer and charm in the music will provide ample support in facing the pain with hope.
Album released by Interscope January, 2008.
Reviewed January 2008.
