As New York's Mercury Lounge quickly found out this evening, KT Tunstall is not your average singer-songwriter. Grouped into that genre simply because she is still on the verge of inventing her own, Tunstall somehow brings a romantic, captivating allure to heart-piercing, boot-stomping roots rock.
Growing up in the green hills of St. Andrews, Scotland before moving to the States to pursue an education, she was bound to be exposed to and mix many different influences to create a unique personal style. Despite her traveled background, the seeds of her soulful, almost Deep Southern delivery (recalling hints of Janis Joplin) are a bit of a mystery. More predictably, KT's UK roots shine through in flashes of The Cranberries' sharp-edged Dolores O'Riordan and the sultry Joss Stone, mixed with touches of Jewel and Rachael Yamagata.
Tonight's fiery hour-long set, featuring KT flanked by "Lucky Luke" on drums was enhanced by her interesting proficiency in the world of electronics, frequently recording and looping various vocals, beats, and hand-claps to add texture to the two-man (woman) show. Tunstall is a curious twist of powerful energy blended with a charmingly delightful wit. Her ability to connect with tonight's sold-out crowd is no-doubt something she has mastered during her rapid rise to fame in the UK, now being mentioned in the same sentences as "made it" staples like David Gray, Coldplay, and Damien Rice.
Many folks are fond of make-your-own-ending stories and the notion of unpredictability, however, there is something to be said for being 99% sure of the outcome, and just watching the ride unfold along the way. By 99% sure, I mean, tonight's show gave me the same feeling as when I saw Franz Ferdinand tear up the Mercury Lounge stage on a supporting time-slot for the Fiery Furnaces. KT has it all, and I can't wait for all fifty States to find out.
[If you missed her tonight, don't make the same mistake twice. Upcoming tour dates can be found at her website. Her smash UK debut "Eye To The Telescope" hits US streets on Feb 7.]
