Feature photo by Bailey Brantingham
Story by Bailey Brantingham
On Friday night, the original members of alt-rock band Sixpence None the Richer graced the stage of Nashville’s City Winery for their second show together in 20 years. Although a bit grayer, besides redheaded singer Leigh Nash, the band took their AmericanaFest crowd on a 1990s nostalgia trip as if no time had passed at all, reaching way back to tracks from 1995 while also sprinkling in some new releases.
A slow but steady crowd trickled in as guitarist Matt Slocum, bassist Justin Cary and drummer Dale Baker briefly sound checked.
“There’s been a lot of lineups, because any band that’s been together since, I don’t know, ‘92, ‘93 is going to have a lot of members,” Nash said after the show. “There’s been a lot of really special people that have come and gone, but this is our true blue lineup. So we’re really proud.”
During the show, Nash entered and the band cold-opened with their 1995 song “Angeltread,” complimented by an ethereal trickle of bells. Nash closed her eyes and swayed without caution, dancing for only herself. The band then pivoted into the present with “Thread the Needle,” an unreleased song from their upcoming EP “Rosemary Hill.”
Sixpence’s sound is a combination of heavy alt-rock and a little bit of light folk, culminating in timeless tunes that transcend generations. Their discography is diverse, with songs featuring heavy guitar solos while also being complimented by tender trickles of xylophone and tambourine. Nash’s classic ‘90s pop-sounding vocals are the cherry on top.
Their cover of Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream It’s Over” followed, a refreshingly light version of the 1986 hit, with airy instrumentals complemented by Nash’s lilting vocals. The band supplemented the older hit with two new tunes: “The Tide,” a 2023 single by Leigh Nash and Sixpence None the Richer, and the unreleased title track of their upcoming EP, “Rosemary Hill.”
Both during and after the show, Nash remarked on the significance of playing in Nashville, the band’s hometown for 25 years.
“There is nothing like a Nashville crowd to make you want to pee your pants,” Nash said.
After a few deep cuts and teary-eyed moments from the singer, the band performed their newest single, “Julia,” which was released on Sept. 13. Nash explained the true-tale pop ballad was inspired by late Fountains of Wayne singer Adam Schlesinger and was written with the band in mind.
The band then careened back into the ‘90s with two of their most beloved hits: “There She Goes,” a La’s cover that proves a remake can sometimes be better than the original, especially where Nash’s vocals are involved, and the classic “Kiss Me.” The musical embodiment of being in love, “Kiss Me” is a rare case of a song that’s able to paint an image, whether it be a peaceful autumnal day or a rom-com movie scene, in the listener’s mind with the first few strums.
The night finished with “We Are Love,” the first-released single from “Rosemary Hill.” Beginning with a backing track of Nash’s powerful yet delicate choir-like stacked vocals, the song is the musical manifestation of the band itself, and a fitting ending to the performance, showcasing the band’s intent to create more music and a new legacy on the road ahead.
“We just hope people will give us a chance,” Nash said. “Just to be a part of the continuation of what we started a long time ago.”
Bailey Brantingham is the Lead Lifestyles Reporter for MTSU Sidelines.
To contact the Lifestyles Editor, email [email protected].
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