Gig review: St Vincent - Stereo, Glasgow
Her stage manner and singing voice, though, seem to be from somewhere else entirely; she can often come across as prim, almost schoolmistress-like.
Her music is a similar blend of contrasts, and compelling because of it. Her most effective songs balance prettiness with lyrical darkness – usually only hinted at, but unmistakably there – and musical grit, as on Surgeon, a song which starts with soothing synth washes then gives way to a chorus of “come cut me open” and a jittery guitar riff that recalls early Talking Heads. It’s no surprise to learn that Clark is currently working with David Byrne, who shares similar quirks – a perfectionist’s attention to musical detail, plus a sort of strained façade of normality.
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Hide AdOn record, Clark’s distorted guitar sours the sweetness of the music around it. On stage it’s the star attraction, and when she lets rip it’s mesmerising, although it takes a cover version for this to happen: She Is Beyond Good And Evil by The Pop Group, on which Clark’s usually velvet-like vocals become a PJ Harvey-like howl. It’s a startling moment, and makes me wonder what sort of music she might make if she let herself go more often.
Rating: ****