Nadine @ Off Broadway 3/23/02

In years past, the only frustrating thing about Nadine seemed to be their lack of focus in a live setting. The members would look to each other wondering what key the next song was in while you hoped they could figure out how much potential they actually possessed.

Since forming, Nadine has certainly been the best band St. Louis has to offer and deserves to stand alongside Chuck Berry, Uncle Tupelo and others as one of our city’s most celebrated musical treasures. So while the rehearsal atmosphere of their live show sometimes worked, we couldn’t help but wonder if Nadine would ever really get it together.

Thankfully, after witnessing their storming gig at Off Broadway on Saturday, it’s clear that Nadine has finally arrived. Though plagued by Off Broadway’s muffled sound early on, the band appeared more focused than ever during their two-hour set, concentrating heavily on songs from the upcoming Strange Seasons.

Louder and more aggressive, Nadine wore their influences on their sleeve. John Lennon loomed all over “Got A Feeling,” and a new, unknown song inserted before leader Adam Reichman’s solo set, rivaled anything the Posies have ever done. Influences aside, we like these new songs a lot.

Perhaps the best is “Shining On You,” a short and to-the-point anthem that points suggestively towards a heavier rock direction. It’s built around a galloping bass line from Anne Tkach and has been the consistent highlight of the last couple Nadine shows.

Old favorites were plentiful too. The trio of “End of the Night,” “Without A Reply” and “Losing Track” started things off, and a mid-set “Four Years Ago” was a pleasant surprise. Finishing things off with the best track of Lit Up From the Inside, “Just Couldn’t Lie” was sublime.

As for most other St. Louis bands, please take your ball and go home. We’re proud to announce that Nadine is finally making you look ridiculous. (Nadine will be playing at St. Louis University’s Spring Fever on Friday, April 26.)