Marking their post-pandemic return to the live music scene, Cassettes performed a 25-minute live acoustic set at this intimate North Tyneside venue on Sunday night. I had the privilege of attending and witnessing a seasoned, soulful performance from frontman and founder Nick Reeves…
Looking effortlessly cool in lime-green turtleneck, braces and Converse boots, Nick takes to the stage, setting up in a serious yet self-effacing manner which immediately woos his audience. He starts the set with ‘Piccolo Knives,’ a lyrically dazzling composition which looks back to a bygone era ‘when Bowie had English teeth:’
‘He’d sing, he’d grin, he’d laugh, he’d bark!’ Nick remembers, rounding off the final chorus with his strident vocal rising to a bow-wow crescendo.
Next up is the much-loved single ‘Receipts,’ which exists in many incarnations, and whose chorus issues the resounding plea ‘Luella, Luella, Luella pleeeaase, keep your receipts!’ Nick hits all the high notes in this stunning rendition.
He opens the next track with the following advice to the audience, ‘if you’re gonna get a haircut, get yourself a suicide fringe.’ There then follows the eponymous track, an upbeat and catchy love song which features the immortal lines, ‘The Whitgift Centre/Angels musta sent ya,’ demonstrating Reeves’ wry humour and lyrical playfulness at its best.
Lyrical playfulness transforms into lyrical magic as the tone changes to one of reflection, tribute and pure poetic power for the closing tracks, ‘Jackdaws and Witches,’ and ‘Postcard from Kreuzberg.’ The former is a tribute to Bowie, written after his death in January 2016. ‘Some still can’t say your name/Without stretching all the wrong vowels,’ comes Nick’s mournful lament. (That’s ‘Bowie’ as in knife, not ‘Bowie’ as in bow-wow.) The closing track, Postcard, summons up the ghosts of communist-era East Berlin, who loiter in the trees, and, as we are left in no doubt, are all around us…
If you do get the chance to see this band live, do not miss the opportunity. Nick is part-storyteller, part-magician and 100% poet. You will not be disappointed.
Ingrid
Sounds as if you really enjoyed this performance!
I did, very much so!
Your enthusiasm shone through!! 🙂 🙂
I just watched Nick’s performance. Mesmerizing, I loved it!!
Glad you enjoyed it Liz 🤩
How cool! Enjoying the video! 😎
Glad to hear it! Thanks Tricia 😊
My pleasure! 💓
Wonderful, Ingrid! I’m glad Nick got to perform, and you got to see it.
It was a great night – thanks Merril!
😊
Wonderful performance. Thanks for sharing .💕
My pleasure, Grace – thank you 🙏
💕
Thanks for sharing, Ingrid, will check out soon.
It must have been an incredible experience!
Thanks Punam ❤️
a poet with music, hat trick … you certainly enjoyed the night!
I did, indeed, thank you Kate!
Gosh, that is lovely to listen to. I recently went to a Jazz show, and, oh, how I’ve missed live performances. Amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us, Ingrid!
There’s a special magic to live music, I agree! Thanks Jeff 🙏
Fantastic! 👏🏻 Nick is a natural talent and your write up was splendid. A beautiful duo, you two! 💞
Thank you Michele 🤩
You are welcome! 🎶
Though not there you got me thinking I was through your words and links Ingrid – that Nick sure is talented, there’s no denying it!
Indeed he is, Eric – thank you!
Thank you, Ingrid!
Brought a happy tear to my eye!
x
A pleasure Nick – thanks for the invite x
Ingrid, thank you for sharing Nick’s spirited performance. He is certainly a multi-talented guy! <3
Thank you for tuning in, Cheryl ❤️
What an amazing write up of Nicks performance Ingrid! I love it!
X marks the spot! 💗
Glad you enjoyed it Cindy 💕
Thanks for sharing ❣️