hecklergigs - Nizlopi, Scala, 20/3/06

Take an intimate venue like the Scala with a lovely band of two like Nizlopi and there’s bound to be a ‘too much love in this room’ kinda vibe - not in a cheesy clichéd way, but something far more real.

As the night unfolds, we get all that and more in bucket loads. This sweet acoustic duo, with their warm heartfelt tunes, are the perfect remedy for a jaded Monday. If it’s supposed to be the first day of spring, then Nizlopi are providing the rays of hope on an otherwise chilly night. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to quit your day job, go somewhere warm, and fall asleep in a field. The refreshing honesty in their sound, like stolen moments of stillness and emotion captured in song, is what keeps drawing the crowds to yet another sold-out gig.

Nizlopi start by appearing out of nowhere in the midst of the audience.
This has become a regular part of their shows, which suits their
approach to the music – right there in front of you, no barriers, as
cosy as a gig in your front room.

Surrounded by a captive audience, they play two songs there before
wandering up onstage to continue with Fine Story to Tell. Front man
Luke is so relaxed that he happily spouts complete gibberish in place
of stage banter. Beatboxing double bassist John translates the greeting
for us, as Luke picks up his bodhran for the next song.

“This song’s a miserable fucker,” he tells us, dispelling all rumours
that Nizlopi gigs are only ever smiley happy affairs. He does however
get the audience to sing the happy ending that emerges from this
‘miserable’ song. “It’s the ground that will be replanted on,” is one of
those positive mantras, and with the whole room singing it, it’s no
wonder we’re all feeling uplifted.

Their melodies and stories are reminiscent of
Van Morrison and a bit of Tracy Chapman too, but if we’re gonna talk
influences, then two of their biggest ones are here tonight. Kieron
(Luke’s Dad, and their manager) comes on to announce that The JCB Song’s sold over 400,000 copies, casually mentions Nizlopi’s biggest
musical heroes Danny Thompson and Rory McLeod, then actually brings
them onstage to present them with their gold discs! The looks of sheer
joy and disbelief on the guys’ faces are priceless.

They play The JCB Song, then Rory jams with them on the next one, on harmonica and
spoons. It’s amazing to be standing here watching them live out this
moment of truth. We’re lulled further in with more gems off the album,
and they end the night by walking back down into the audience again.

“This is a song about worrying too much,” says Luke. By this point it doesn’t really feel like a gig, as a few of us jump on stage
for a better view. Luke turns to different parts of the crowd as they
play, and seems to be singing each line to a different person. While
John plays out the last few bars of Worry, Luke walks through the
crowd, until he comes to rest his head on the shoulder of his girlfriend
Kate, then gives her a kiss as we all cheer. Sums it all up really.

A
gig like this can feel like coming home, or a really personal
experience or moment that you feel part of. And seeing these guys play
tonight has definitely been a series of amazing ‘moments’. Or, perhaps
just one big one.

[story by Dedee W]