Music / Reviews
Review: Nell Mescal, Rough Trade – ‘Endearing, warming and incredibly talented’
I first watched Nell Mescal at last year’s Dot to Dot Festival where she performed to a packed out crowd at The Louisiana.
Eight months later and she’s embarked on a solo tour and upgraded to a bigger venue at Rough Trade, one which she also managed to fill.
Support act came from singer-songwriter Alice Auer, performing alone on stage with just a keyboard, the artist was the perfect tonic for a Monday evening.
is needed now More than ever
Commanding an audience is not an easy job as a support act but Alice did it with grace and poise, her voice carrying over the silence of the room.
Her vocals were infused with ethereal beauty, shining brightly against the melody and backing track of every song; she was captivating and it was great to see her look so comfortable on stage.
We didn’t have to wait long for Nell to take to the stage. With solo artists, there’s a misconception that it will just be the singer and a guitar on stage but she had a full band behind her, adding extra joyfulness.
With only a dozen of songs released and no EP or album yet released, it was a surprise to watch the singer work her way effortlessly through a back catalogue of songs, the time flying by.
Her track Electric Picnic saw just Nell and her guitarist on stage, a stripped back, Birdy-esque song that felt haunting.
Her cover of Gracie Abram’s I Miss You, I’m Sorry reminded us what a joy it is to have so many talented solo female musicians at the forefront of the industry.
A definite highlight was the track Yellow Dresser which highlighted the singer’s vocals, a beautifully written and beautifully performed song that burrowed deep into your head even after she sang several more songs.
With songs about heartbreak, dating apps, toxic relationships and the end of friendships, her songwriting is so relatable it wasn’t a surprise to see so many fans singing their hearts out at the front of the stage.
Endearing, warming and incredibly talented, I cannot wait for the release of her debut EP later this year.
Main photo: Georgia Attiwell
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