I didn’t expect much from Scout Niblett… in fact, I almost just skipped her part of the show altogether. As her set at the7th Street Entry went on, I became glad that I arrived early enough for her set. She was not quite what I expected as she took to the stage with a stereotypical loose-fitting outfit and unkempt hair. But her vocals are what stood out through what seemed like slightly contrived folk-rock, and she impressed me immediately. Having Niblett open for the likes of St. Vincent was an excellent choice as the two women have very different music styles; however, their lyrics are intriguing and tell stories of woe and life, love and death. Near the end of the set, Niblett pulled out a great cover of The Cars “Just What I Needed,” which created an instant bond with anyone who didn’t know her music, but appreciated the talent spitted off the stage.
St. Vincent was just in Minneapolis opening for Midlake back in February, but for this appearance she brought her whole band. This tour celebrates the release of St. Vincent’s first full-length album, Marry Me. It’s somewhat hard to for me to compare Annie Clark’s two appearances here. Her lyrics are so full of content and intelligence, and her music is so simple, yet so complex when the full band is added. Her pedal board itself is a masterpiece to behold and I almost become fearful watching the set up, lest anything become jostled and dislodged. How on earth would anyone be able to tell where the missing pieces were to go?
Clark plowed her way through her new album, creating a bit of a stir from the crowd during title track “Marry Me,” and again during the apparent audience favorite “Bang Bang.” As accomplished as the backing band was, there was something to be said for the sweet simplicity of a solo gal, her guitar, piano and a board full of pedals. That’s not to say I didn’t appreciate the band. They played a good game, providing wonderful musicianship and creating an entirely different atmosphere. The standout, of course, was Clark herself, and it’s hard to see anyone else living up to her persona onstage. She was sweet, somewhat shy, but wholly appreciative of just being able to play music. She ripped up a guitar solo like few I’ve seen, and her soft voice coupled with lyrics of doom and destruction seemed slightly unrealistic, but she pulled it off with vigor and fervor and in the process, convinced the listener that these dichotomies work together.
This show at The Entry was much more uplifting in terms of crowd, and Clark had fewer sound issues than she’d had during her last visit. After the show I was able to talk briefly with Clark and she seemed pleased with her performance. You can see St. Vincent yourself in September when she opens for The National at the 400 Bar on September 20, 2007.
