4.23.2010 - Chris Pureka and Nicole Reynolds
April 26, 2010
Radio Radio
Indianapolis, IN
We'd been looking forward to this show for weeks. I'd heard Chris Pureka via my Brandi Carlile channel on Pandora probably over a year ago and haven't stopped listening since. What I wasn't aware of is that the event was put on by Cathy and Joyce of indyindie.com - a local group who promote independent female artists in music, poetry, and art. Unfortunately, after 7 years of doing this, we only happened upon them at the second-to-last show. They are "retiring" - but as Cathy mentioned onstage later, eventually they'll be back at it after an extended break and some good R&R. It was also Cathy's annual birthday show - so Happy Birthday Cathy!
I'd say 98% of this crowd was female, which wasn't at all surprising after discovering it was put on by a group promoting independent female artists. My rough estimate would be that about 75-100 people showed up - and that's a very rough guess. You could definitely tell that Chris has a following - there was a line of probably 15-20 people at the door when we arrived a little before doors opened at 8. Haven't seen a line at Radio Radio since back when we saw a Griffin House/Green River Ordinance/Needtobreathe show there in the fall of 2009.
This was the most laid-back crowd I've ever seen at a show...everyone remained seated and was fully respectful of the artists at all times. This was such a great break from the normal concert-going crowd we've encountered. At one point, Chris Pureka even commented that people should come to the front and form a mosh-pit, saying she'd even smash a guitar if they did - then quickly changing her mind saying it makes her angry when people do that - "someone could've used that guitar".
Nicole Reynolds was up first. I'd be surprised if she is a centimeter over 4'11". She has a great whimsical/old-timey voice, which reminded me instantly of Katie Herzig. Her songs are reminiscent of poems set to music, rather than songs. She also has a fantastic sense of humor - her stories between songs had the entire room cracking up. We really enjoyed her set, and can't wait to hear more of her music.
Here are some highlightsfrom her set:
- Whiskey - Nicole mentioned her girlfriend quit smoking very shortly after she played this song in front of her g/f's Baptist Minister father - I believe the line was "You accept my bullshit, I accept your smoking". Enough said.
- Earthworms - How can you beat a song with a line about hermaphrodite sex being great?
- Wonderin - "Do you know that your kisses are like windows I fall through" - great line
- We Could Have Met
Chris Pureka then took the stage. One of the first things you notice when the music starts is that she is an amazing guitar player. Then you hear her voice...full of emotion, soulful, haunting. It instantly pulls you in and takes you along for an emotional ride through what must be autobiographical stories of love and loss. I'd describe her genre as Indie-Folk. Her songs just ooze with melancholy - you can picture her sitting in front of a window on a cold and rainy New England fall evening pouring her heart into writing these lyrics. She has a brand new album out, click that link below and buy it, you'll be glad you did.
Some highlights from her set:
- California - From her Chimera EP
- Barn Song - From her newest album, "How I Learned to See in the Dark". She wrote this after taking a walk with Lyndell Montgomery, bass and fiddle player in her band, while visiting at her Canadian home. They walked out to an abandoned house and barn, then while passing back by the house, Chris found a bell sitting next to the front door. Lyndell convinced her to take it, and the bell is now immortalized on the cover of the new album.
- Shipwreck - "Sometimes I wish that tide would take me" - hearbreaking lyrics.
- Wrecking Ball - Contains the album title lyric "How I learned to see in the dark". Has great radio-play potential.
- Swann Song - Written for her grandma. From the Dryland album.
- Encore of Porch Songs - One of my Chris Pureka favorites form the Driving North album.
I'm not sure the night could have gotten any better (except maybe if she'd felt inclined to sing Burning Bridges, another favorite). Both Chris and Nicole hung out back by the merchandise table after the show to meet everyone. Thanks to Cathy for strongly expressing her desire for Chris to play "more, more", so we could hear a live version of Porch Songs. And huge thanks to Cathy and Indy Indie for putting the show together and getting Chris and Nicole together in Indianapolis. Perfect night - go see Nicole Reynolds and/or Chris Pureka if you ever get the chance!
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