Arts Festival Review: St Vincent

St Vincent
Pacific Blue Festival Club
Thursday 18th March

Annie St Vincent had a completely beautiful and amazing voice, if somewhat reminiscent of someone else’s (who can’t be named). St Vincent played a long set that gathered momentum towards the last five songs that were probably the best.

She was a charming elfin urchin alone on the stage except for the violinist/guitarist, teasing melodies from the clouds of imagery evoked by the lyrics. There was a fascinating combination of the very smooth with the punk in both her movements, and the solos, which mixed many subtly variegated guitar techniques into a perfect complement to the songs themselves.

The violinist, who professed to be half New Zealander, played with the help of midi accompaniment. It would have been nice, and given more punch to the gig, if there was a whole live band. Although there was a backing track vibe about the huge electronic sound with two people on stage, the musicianship carried each story.

The delivery became more chatty and comfortable as the show went on, with an impromptu story time occurring due to fixing a broken string. The music, although not familiar territory, deserved a larger turnout than the two-thirds full Pacific Blue Festival Club managed, and I expect with her clever literary lyrics and song smithery, her future is assured.

Press release: Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra & St. Vincent
Arts Festival website: St Vincent
Scoop Full Coverage: Arts Festival 2010

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