Live Review: Natalie McCool

Natalie McCool struts out onto the stage. She has been invited to play 1883 Magazine’s bash at Cargo in Shoreditch, and the crowd seem pretty pleased at her arrival. After having only discovered her a few days prior to the gig, I am quite curious as to what this night will entail.

One of the first things I noticed was Natalie’s current, on-trend style. After the gig, I got the chance to talk to her and found out that she is in collaboration with Run Label designs, and that a “really cool young stylist” named Ihunna Eberendu helped with the whole look. It’s fair to say that she looks fantastic, and this only beckons for the sound that she is about to deliver – current, engaged alt-pop adorned with alternative influences that appeal to any listener.

The gig is comprised of songs from her second album, ‘The Great Unknown’ which was released this week on her own label, Fortress Sounds via Ditto Music. After reflecting on the songs and her old material, it emerges as a new awakening – rising victoriously with a number of prickly pop tunes. She takes inspiration from the likes of heroic female icons like “Blondie and PJ Harvey”, and this can be heard in the self-assured, pounding beats of the opener of the gig, ‘Magnet’.

Natalie told us that the next track, ‘Pins’ is her favourite song to date because it is “such an honest song about my ex… they’re all about my ex!” Her soft, velvety voice contrasts with the harsh strident timbre and encapsulates those familiar feelings of pain mixed with anger during the aftermath of a breakup. ‘Pins’ is also the point where the chemistry of the band is fully realised. Their energy gives a rich timbre to the songs and furthers their emotive effects.

‘Oh Danger’ and ‘Just Let Me Go’ are some of the highlights of the set. Moments of chiming quiet are brandished by raucous lead ups, and the 90s Riot Grrrl undertones can be heard in the gritty riffs and crashing cymbals. Natalie’s live sound is very dynamic, and her whole demeanour adds to the empowerment and drive of her person on-stage. ‘Fortress’ is the closing song, and is a triumphant end for the promising songwriter.

Natalie McCool’s performance was strong as well as beautiful. An accomplished songwriter and confident performer, Natalie has delivered a thoroughly inspiring set.

Words by Alicia Carpenter

First published on The-HypeMedia: http://the-hypemedia.co.uk/wordpress/?p=1124