Institute of Contemporary Arts

Quiet Nights: The Bronsteins / Jack Shirt

Date: 12 April 2008

Jahan Nazeer

Tonight was to be the second instalment of Quiet Nights at the ICA, having heard great reports about the first evening, tonight’s line-up looked equally interesting. Through the bar, then up a few flights of stairs, the Nash Room is a splendid venue for this kind of affair, and set a tone immediately. A lovely feature of this room is the large windows which lead out onto balconies overlooking the Mall, St James’ Park, Big Ben, the Millenium Wheel etc. The view is fantastic and seemed to be most people’s first port of call as they arrived. Sipping drinks and chatting away under the dark blue London sky as day turned to night, the setting was perfectly civilised and relaxed, more ‘glass of wine’ than ‘tequila shot’. Stepping back inside, I found a nice spot on a rug on the floor just in time for the first act to begin.

Jack Shirt took his position behind microphone and guitar pedals and gingerly introduced himself to the seated audience. Opening with dreamy layers of guitar tones and riffs, sampled then looped, he built an atmosphere in the room that gathered our attention and gently guided and coaxed us into his set. Abstract and cinematic, as much instrumental as vocal, with seemingly whimsical structures, Jack Shirt’s songs were absorbing. His bashful, humble demeanor made him instantly likeable, indeed his low-key, softly spoken style worked perfectly in the intimate setting and somehow drew the audience closer to listen closely to each song. Layering eerie backing vocals and guitar riffs, Jack Shirt’s lyrics were often repeated phrases, adding to the instrumental pieces rather than dominating them. His song ‘The Cheapest Lunchbreak’ was an example of this, with its winding guitar backdrop and repeated vocal phrase and it was my highlight of the set. Thoroughly engrossing, Jack Shirt’s performance was well enjoyed by the ICA crowd and he received a hearty round of applause as we reached the half-way point of the evening.

Windows were opened again, and bar trips were made at this stage, Jack Shirt chatted with some of his new fans and some soft music played in the background. As I wandered why more live music wasn’t presented in this kind of relaxed, comfortable way, the next act began to set up. Melinda Bronstein is a singer/song writer who, accompanied by her band, the Bronsteins, took a quick gulp of beer and began. Opening with guitar and hand claps, the Bronsteins had heads nodding and feet tapping from the off. Melinda’s voice was clear and direct, as keyboard parts and drum machine loops joined acoustic guitar riffs and plodding bass parts. Their performance had an upbeat feel throughout with a friendly, accessable vibe and some clever lyrics. Dressed simply and comfortably, the band paid more attention to having a good time than they did to posing and posturing, this honest approach seemed to win the crowd over straight away. Their songs were also immediately enjoyable with strong vocal melodies and catchy keyboard riffs. Fun, but maintaining a depth and sense of emotion throughout, the Bronsteins delighted the audience with their folksy pop style. They closed the set with another uptempo number and with the evening’s proceeding over by just after ten o’clock, this was the perfect way to finish and set up a great weekend for all present. Nice one.

Overall, being the first Quiet Night event that I’d been to, I was really impressed by the picturesque setting and quality live music. A different style of gig and a very enjoyable way to begin the weekend. 

Next week – Naked and The Boys & Hexicon

 

Jack Shirt. Photo: Gabriel Green 

 

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