Nicole Atkins Graces The Earl With Song and Beauty

Nicole Atkins and The Black Sea brought their psychedelic, anima-powered rock to Atlanta’s Earl, and I was definitely not going to miss it!  This rock goddess and her demigods (The Black Sea) blend the sounds of folk, country, and classic rock to faultlessly create a modern, unique brand of blues-infused, alternative music.  This Jersey band was able to make you dance, cry, and hold your breath all in one night from one stage.

The band took the stage thanking the audience for coming out on the Monday night after Halloween weekend.  The soft blue stage lights perfectly set the mood for the dark sounds produced by the rhythm, harmonies, and absolute powerhouse vocals of Ms.Atkins.  As the band began “Kill the Headlights,” Nicole put her guitar down and picked up the mic to take it dancing.  The band sounded like a tornado behind her sultry voice and the result was spectacular!

Nicole Atkins’ spirit and style of music is pleasingly reminiscent of PJ Harvey with glimmers of Neko Case.  After the commandment and chanting of “Brooklyn’s on Fire,” she announced the presentation of some new songs; the first one called “Civil War” and another “Cry Cry Cry.”  She introduced one of the other newbies with a story explaining its conception; “Chris wrote about how much of a pain in the ass I am, but it’s a good song, so we play it.”  With that, she picked up her tambourine and the 5-piece delivered a fresh, country/bluegrass-based rock duet, featuring the gorgeous exchange between the mics of Nicole and her guitarist. The new songs the band unleashed were more upbeat and carried a far less dismal tone than the Nicole Atkins I knew.  It almost sounded as if “The Black Sea” is lightening to a shade of gray.  Still, the new sound suits them, and they are just as believable when they’re uppity as they are with a frown.

Within a quiet moment in the room, I took the opportunity to make a song request.  I shouted from the back of the bar for “The Way It Is.”  She looked up, said “OK” and went right into the first deep, heavy notes.  It was enough to make my heart break and pound simultaneously.  Her voice raised above and beyond all else within our five senses, and she made you soar right along with her majestic, thunderous voice.  The show ended with “Tower” and her thank yous to the audience. She also mentioned that she appreciates Atlanta not turning out like Cleveland, where I guess they didn’t appreciate Nicole Atkins’ arrival as much as we did!

The girl can sing. The band undeniably rocks. Don’t get left out when she comes back in the spring.

www.myspace.com/nicoleatkins

Nadia Lelutiu

Related posts:

1. Nicole Atkins Signs With Razor & Tie
2. Nicole Atkins on Tour with The Black Keys
3. Martin Atkins: Author of Tour Smart