Review: Marissa Nadler + Sarah Louise at The Odd
While some prefer gathering en masse to dance the night away at crowded clubs, I tend to find solace in the intimate setting of a dimly lit dive bar, seated directly on the floor, listening intently as a singer/songwriter gushes hazy melancholy melodies.
Luck was on my side Sept. 22 when Marissa Nadler graced The Odd in West Asheville with her ethereal folk. The juxtaposition of her dreamy tunes in a venue known for its metal shows might seem unusual, but Nadler's connection to the metal world runs deep, solidified by her 2019 collaboration with Steven Brodsky (Cave In; Mutoid Man) on the album Droneflower.
Despite her decades-long career, Nadler displayed a hint of nervousness at The Odd. Fortunately, the audience exuded a calming respect and any trepidation subsided as Nadler eased into her songs. Stripped down to just her sad, enchanting vocals and the delicate finger-picking of her 12-string guitar, it was a hauntingly beautiful performance.
While Nadler recently released a gorgeous cover of Moondog's classic "High on a Rocky Ledge," she chose to serenade us with her own tunes. Alongside selections from her latest record, The Path of the Clouds, it was a treat to hear several highlights from her 2014 album July. Despite my own sorrowful disposition, the somber rendition of "Firecrackers" lifted my spirits for the night.
Speaking of brightening up the evening, Sarah Louise’s opening performance was a delightful breath of fresh air. From the moment she was on stage, waiting for the end of The Clash’s “Rock The Casbah” to fade out so that she could begin her set, the local experimental folk musician appeared to be in a great mood and was reverberating that energy. For her first few tunes, she wove loops of her own vocals into a remarkable auditory tapestry. Then, as she began to loop hand-claps for a percussive loop, something perfect happened.
At that instant, the audience clapped. Seizing the moment, Louise ditched the self-created loop, and for the rest of her set, she guided the small crowd to provide accompaniment to her tunes. Despite the relatively small number of people, it worked incredibly well with folks supplying Louise with a mix of vocal drones and claps. What began as a solo performance became something far more communal, which Louise expressed is the direction she’s hoping to take her music.
Although sparsely attended shows can be disheartening for performers, they can often hold a special allure for the entire room. Getting to witness such an intimate performance is like being part of an exclusive fan club, and these moments also often free artists to take creative risks that lead to unexpected, unforgettable moments.
Hopefully, the next times Marissa Nadler and Sarah Louise each play in Asheville, the turnout will be more reflective of what they deserve. Nonetheless, I’m grateful to have shared the experience that I did with them at The Odd.
(Photos by Jonny Leather)
Sarah Louise
