Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
Watching Erica Nockalls on stage, the first thing you notice is her absolute belief in what she is playing, whether as part of Wonderstuff or going out on the road with Miles Hunt and touring intimate venues, the way she handles the violin marks her out as one amazing performer. This conviction is carried over into her debut solo album Imminent Room and it is a work of pure and fantastic art.
To compare Erica Nockalls to almost anyone would be an injustice; she certainly is one of the true individuals in life, a woman who grabs the attention of all who have had the pleasure and fortune to watch her play. However as the eclectic music and stunning lyrics wash over the listener, there will be those that draw comparisons with another artist who stunned music 20 years before and who has become one of the leading people in music. Whereas Tori Amos used a piano to get over her disaffection with the world and private life, in the hands of Erica Nockalls, the violin is far more personal and effective weapon and the result is just as astonishing, just as beautiful as Ms. Amos breakthrough album Little Earthquakes.
From being drawn in from the startling and highly evocative and artistic cover, which is reminiscent of an adult Little Red Riding Hood and the question of what’s lurking in the woods today? The songs that make up this album draw on the boundary that exists between private thought and wanting to express them to get rid of the abject frustration that builds up when you feel your voice is no longer being heard by those you have invested time and love in. The small note that attaches itself to the lyric sheets on each page has this diary note form entry of when the idea for the song was conceived. It draws you in further, as you listen to tracks such as Neon Crucifix, I Am Me, This Is Now, the brilliant Day One, One Day and It’s Killer, Darling, it is near impossible to wonder what you were doing on those particular days also, a striking testament to the power of Erica’s incredible performance.
With great contributions from Wayne Hussey, Jeff Walker, Mark Gemini Thwaite, Fuzz Townsend, George Taylor and Miles Hunt, the album has the group dynamic feel but make no mistake though this is Erica Nockalls personal fiefdom and she is inviting you to listen and feel the warmth, the despair and the humour, best relax and enjoy the ride, it will be worth it.
Ian D. Hall