Photography by: Ricardo Branco

Nathassia Devine & Her Band Live at The Water Rats – Fri 4th July 14

Bob Dylan, Oasis? Yes Nathassia Devine can also boast her debut London gig at the Water Rats, a venue with some serious “Rock N Roll” history.

I had only been once to Water Rats several years ago and it was reassuringly unchanged. It’s Friday night with world cup action and it is indeed a game of two halves, with football fans glued to the TV in one half of the venue and live bands performing in the other half with neither side disturbing each other.      

The band kicks in minus Nathassia with cleverly worked electronica and live acoustic drums. The crowd suddenly comes to life and obviously very happy to be there. She is looking every inch a star and bounds on stage with her exotic looking backing singer which gives everything a nice bit of show-lady-ship right from the off.

The music is throwing out some seriously cool bassline riffs, very pleasing indeed and it’s a great Soundsystem too. I have a little chuckle to myself as I glance at several goggle- eyed folk drinking in the way Nathassia moves to the beats whilst somehow remaining pitch perfect. Nathassia introduces the band after the track titled “Signs” as Tom (drums, pads), Pete (keys & FX) and Myo (backing vocals), respectful applause entails.

“Telepathically” is simply majestic live in every way and if the forthcoming album is like what we are hearing so far then I am going to have to have to buy it! Tom & Pete are riding their FX/Sample sounds like there is no tomorrow, the cutting edge vibe continues right through the rest of the set. Seriously deep electronics and very hooky vocals hold the audience to perfection, which is why it all works so well for me and from what I can tell the rest of the crowd too.

The band performs the title track to the album "cosmic" and then incredibly it’s time for the last song "you will recall" and for this the energy levels go out of this realm. How can I describe the feeling in the room... well cosmic I guess!

Review by White Conduit - Live at Water Rats Friday 4 July, 2014

http://www.water-rats.com 

http://www.nathassiadevine.com