‘Made of Bricks’ a solid ‘Foundation’ for Kate Nash

From the very beginning of her album “Made of Bricks,” Kate Nash demands
attention. Reciting; “I like to play,” over and over with funky, danceable drumbeats
and guitar riffs, Nash makes it clear that this CD is going to be anything but
elevator “muzak.”

Nash was born in Dublin, Ireland, but only began to see her musical career take
off while living in England. After breaking her foot in a tumble down a flight of
stairs, Nash was confined to bed. During that time, she was able to concentrate
on songwriting. After posting a few songs on MySpace.com and later, recognition
by singer Lily Allen, Nash’s singing and songwriting talents became apparent to
the public.

Aside from witty quips and infectious melodic lines, part of Nash’s charm
comes from the way in which she relates her music to everyday life. Whether her
lyrics are about drinking cups of tea and flossing in “Mouthwash” or eating toast
with cheese in “Merry Happy,” Nash makes these seemingly mundane activities
refreshing. In the story-like quality of her songs, whether they’re about an average
day or birds, or birds as euphemisms for love, there is an inherent familiarity in
this 20-year-old’s compositions.

Nash tackles subjects we all know, and – in some cases – would do better to
forget. The relationships people acknowledge as doomed but still maintain are the
subject of “Foundations.” In this song, Nash adeptly expresses that “my fingertips
are holding onto the cracks in our foundation and I know that I should let go, but
I can’t.” One of Nash’s signature traits is layering a bubbly beat with lyrics that deal
with more serious subject matter. She does this with grace and charm, presenting
dark material with brazen
honesty and dry humor.

Though I’d be hard-pressed
to declare a favorite, two tracks
stood out slightly above the rest
in this unique album. “Merry
Happy” is an endearingly empowering song about when one realizes the other
person in a relationship just isn’t that interested, and where to go from there.
Nash writes, “I can be alone, I can watch the sunset on my own,” and ends the
song with an upbeat improvisation of a melody – not with words but simply on
the syllable “doo.”

“Nicest Thing” is also a standout track in the album. The melancholy timbre
that stringed instruments can so skillfully produce is utilized from the very
beginning, setting the tone for the entire piece. Nash expresses a desire for the
subject of this song to know the subtle nuances of her persona, wishing to “see
if we could be something.”

With each song different from the last, this songstress traverses a number of
genres. “We Get On” is a contemporary answer to 1950s-style love songs. The
style of piano playing along with background harmonization and tambourines
produces the image of beehive hairstyles and pearl-laden back-up singers, but
with an edge.

“Made of Bricks” is easily an appeal to a wide variety of music lovers. It’s a
marvel that Nash’s album, as of last month, only debuted at no. 36 on the Billboard
Charts. Perfect for any mood, time of day or situation, this album is well worth
the three-minute download or the 10-minute trip to Plan 9. It might even inspire
you to put on your “trainers,” go to the “disco” and find a “tart” of your own.