Narc. Magazine Online
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Damian Robinson enjoys a spirited show from the slacker rock artist
Image by Ellen Dixon
Returning for a home-town show (of sorts), Melanie Baker (born in The Lake District, now residing in Newcastle) seems to have pretty much all of her friends and family in The Grove tonight given the level of noise and applause running throughout her show.
Focused around her recently released debut album Somebody Help Me, I’m Being Spontaneous, Baker’s show tonight is as loud and brash as it is quiet and intimate; talking through both the dreams and insecurities of her life. Recent single Real Life stands out as an early highlight, complete with its punky, new-wave inspired guitar lines and lo-fi delivery – it might be Baker’s most solid vocal delivery of the night. Other highlight, Bored, also a 2026 single, showcases an interesting division in Baker’s work – sharing a spirited attitude yet offering a different style of vocal delivery and production. Book-ending the set, it’s the two recent singles which steal tonight’s show – both offering an interesting insight into the direction of Baker’s songwriting and her ability to be open and honest using different methods of delivery. A great debut album and a great headlining show.
