I’m not sure what I was expecting when I went to see Kate Nash perform in Liverpool a few months back. But I came away impressed by a surprisingly powerful voice, stage savvy, musical originality, and songs I found instantly likeable. Most, if not all, the songs performed (I now realise) were from this debut album, and I still find them entertaining.

‘Foundations’ is by now is recognised by everyone with a radio and despite having hear many times before I still find it amusing and distinctive. ‘Kate’s’ songs are sharply observed narratives with powerful rhythms and melodies. Musical arrangement and production provide a vivid soundstage and remind me very much of her live show. ‘Mouthwash’ opens with stuttered keyboard notes and continues in jagged mode, with Kate singing about Kate getting ready to go out on a Friday night, and wondering is she looks the part – the kind of thing that most teenagers panic over before their late-night club sortie. It’s simple, honest and likeable. ‘Dickhead’ is one of my favourite tracks and this time it’s a distinctly jazzy mode, and Kate singing about her or somebody’s fella. The song possesses a clever instrumental arrangement with violins darting in and out in an otherwise stripped-down ambience. ‘Birds’ is Kate singing about her girlfriend and is one of the sweetest and simplest songs here, while ‘Mariella’ has a darker, harder vibe with strong percussive backdrop. Other highlights include the R&B/Soul laced ‘Pumpkin Soup’ with its original instrumental arrangement; the jaunty and fast-paced ‘Skeleton Song’; and the cello dominated, moving love song ‘Nicest Thing’ where Kate sings very expressively and with real emotion.

Reviews have been mixed for this album and I can understand why. However, it’s hard to find fault with any of her diversely musical, bittersweet songs, and easy to understand why the younger generation can connect so easily with her music (and a slightly older generation who are reminded just what it was like back then…). I believe she has is an original and genuine talent who deserves praise for this her debut album. But it’s also important to see her perform live to get the full picture of just how capable she is.

4/5