| Clem
Snide/Experimental Aircraft/Scout Niblett
Emo’s, October 10, 2003
The
night kicked off with a woeful tale of tragic comedy. The
opening act, Scout Niblett, a singer/songwriter hailing from
Nottingham, England, packed a powerful punch with her robust,
emotionally arousing voice. Unfortunately for her she lacked
the crucial element every performer must possess, self confidence.
Five minutes into playing she suddenly stops singing and playing
the guitar, mumbles, “oh shit” into the microphone,
and proceeds to then try out the drum set. Although, yet again
doing a fine job, she abruptly stops. This time crying and
running off the stage. Although the crowd was relatively small,
they seemed to enjoy her music, and could not figure out what
had just happened. I honestly didn’t know whether to
laugh or cry.
Experimental
Aircraft brought the show back by swaying the audience with
their spacey, enigmatic guitar music. The name of this band
is too perfect to describe their sound.
Clem
Snide then really moved the crowd with their hybrid blend
of rock, country and blues. Sitting down in the back when
they came on, I had to move closer to see and hear better.
A very mellow, soft, band, creating a unique sound worthy
of praise and admiration, you have to move in for a closer
look. Clem Snide then brought their NYC version of country
music to a very receptive crowd. This band has a cult following
and it is easy to see why. Originality is the key to their
good modern alt-country sound intertwined with cool messages
about staying unique. Their song, “I Love the Unknown”
tells the tale of not wanting to live your life the same way
day in and day out. Makes one want to take chances, which
is what this band is all about doing. Dressed up in suits
and ties, singing their own version of country, and jumping
around like rock stars, they come off as just plain cool.
Take a chance on their latest album, “Soft Spot”
or previously released albums “Your Favorite Music”
and “The Ghost of Fashion,” you will be glad that
you did.
-Misty
Sweet
|
