Straight from New York`s underground music scene come alternative punk cum rock band The Nectars on their debut tour of the UK.
Tonight`s stop off in the United Kingdom`s second city gave us all a chance to check out the buzz that is accompanying this outfit. With a minimum of fuss, the troupe hit the stage and proceed to entertain the packed crowd with most if not all of the cuts from their forthcoming debut album `Sci-Fi Television`.
The tracks come thick and fast and singer Jessica Kinney seemed quite nervous at the start but really relaxed and grew as the set progressed and she realised that us Brummies’ don`t actually bite. She possesses a real vulnerability at times and I’d pitch her with other wonderful female vocalists such as Ellie Goulding, Gwen Stefani from No Doubt and for the older citizens like me, she exudes the sexuality of Wendy James from Transvision Vamp and Blondie`s Debbie Harry. The songs are very anthemic and have a real sing a long element about them with tracks shared such as `Time`, `Heaven` and `Tired.` There are also some heavier numbers such as the unnervingly enticing `Cemetery Girl`, rockier `I Want It` and `Don`t Panic` which starts off with a garage rock feel before heading in to more of a rock out submission. The real musical backbone of this band drummer Mike Montalbano, guitarist Michael Baron and bassist Jon Paul keep the party going with their tight knit powerhouse allowing a foundation for Jess to charm the audience. The feel-good nature of this band and their infectious energy certainly transfers to the crowd who seem really taken with the group.
The set closes out with their wonderful new single `We Will Run`, which will stay with you long after you hear it. I really enjoyed The Nectars, this New Jersey outfit, to me are very reminiscent of the New York punk scene of the late seventies but with a more up to date indie twist and I’m on board for that. Nectar in Greek and Roman mythology was the drink of the Gods and I certainly enjoyed my first sip tonight and would suggest on this performance, we all should get wasted.
