23/06/03
MARTINA TOPLEY-BIRD
BY COLM LARKIN

If Martina Topley-Bird's cracked voice was often the best thing about Tricky's songs, then the question posed before her live performance at Bush Hall is, are Tricky's songs the best thing about Martina Topley-Bird's voice?

Her own debut single, 'Need One', was justly lauded on its release last month, though answered few questions as to what style of music would dominate her forthcoming album, 'Quixotic'; due for release in July. The expectant crowd awaited answers in the tiny, sweltering venue; one excited fan screaming out "Martina!!!", like a Westlife fan who'd wandered into the wrong show.

Within a few moments of taking the stage, Martina had hushed the entire crowd. Glorious images of Billie Holiday came from her cracked, almost fragile voice as she sang a quiet blues lament. Similar treatment was given to the single before the mood was darkened with a couple of songs whose harsh beats and cuts were reminiscent of her former days with Tricky.

However this show was about showing her range. The album features a variety of different collaborators and writers and she appeared at ease with lighter, more romantic material, as well as a driving rock track, courtesy of Queens Of The Stone Age -who also co-wrote 'Need One'. On a hot night in a sweltering venue, her sultry voice swims effortlessly through the humidity.

Yet despite this, you weren't as blown away by the songs, as such an engaging voice had lead you to believe you might be. One of the few words she mumbled between numbers was to describe one funk track as "kinda dirty", but the song itself was more Morcheeba than Prince.

When in doubt pull the single out. 'Need One' is replayed, this time with full band backing, and it's great. The crowd twice bay for, and receive, an encore, and she finishes with a repeat of the gorgeous opening track. Though the epiphany of the opening tracks is never quite realised, Martina Topley-Bird has a voice that enables her to bask alone in the spotlight.