Nadine Shah is a unique talent. This is no ordinary singer-songwriter, Her voice is special, deep and melodic, comforting and warm. The instrumentation on Fast Food is superb, the songs are gritty and the album rocks and soothes in equal measure.
Second album after 2013’s ‘Love Your Dum and Mad’ the progression is notable. Nadine hails from Whitburn on the Northumbrian coast, which must be where her voice matured into something quite extraordinary, certainly in the bracket of Lucinda Williams and Laura Marling, that is the class we are talking about here.
There is a level of experimentation and intricacy with the music on the songs , via guitars, strings, electronics or just the foundation of the bass lines which can only be applauded. the album features contributions from guitarist Nick Webb and bassist Pete Jobson (of I Am Kloot).
The album artwork is also strikingly red so we recommend the vinyl version for the full effect. We are certainly in the presence of someone who can only get better with each album Surely the author and singer of a future James Bond theme, this is a widescreen album that will grow and grow on you.
If you can’t get a ticket for Nadine’s current spring tour, then her show at London’s Union Chapel on 01 October should be something very special indeed. Tickets are available via Communion.
Pete
10/11
1. Fast Food
2. Fool
3. Matador
4. Divided
5. Nothing Else To Do
6. Stealing Cars
7. Washed Up
8. The Gin One
9. Big Hands
10. Living