I couldn’t help but feel utterly captivated when watching Nirvana. Her performance and songwriting abilities possess the depth and maturity of an old soul, someone who has lived on Earth enough to be able to authentically convey the array of complex emotions each song portrays. Filling the intimate space of the Paisley Pear with a voice so thick with passion that the very walls of the building seemed to strain to contain it. Nirvana Hope strummed the first few chords of “Unlurned”, a track from her first EP Unstuck. Her rich, velvety voice sounding like a blend of Hayley Williams and Alanis Morisette, making it immediately clear that she is no ordinary cover artist. Nirvana is a revivalist channeling the raw emotive power of a bygone era with a resonance that is both nostalgic and fresh. Her masterfully written originals held their own alongside some of the most iconic songs from several beloved decades.
The audience was treated to a comprehensive set list including The Cranberries “Free to Decide”, Amy Whinehouse’s “Valerie”, “Breathe (2AM)” by Anna Nalick, “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac and Alanis Morissette’s “You Learn” to name a few. Nirvana’s song choices were impeccable and her interpretations showcased her remarkable talent and vocal range.
Two renditions stood out to me, first was Neil Young’s “Old Man”, the song that truly exemplified her ability to immerse herself in the lyrics and display emotion and understanding well beyond her years and for the umpteenth time during her set, I felt chills and goosebumps creep up my arms. 4 Non Blondes “What’s Up?” was a clear crowd favorite and Nirvana truly shone as her voice danced around the room. I spotted a few members of the crowd digging out their cell phones to capture the moment as they sang along. It is a testament to her artistry that she could seamlessly blend this diverse list of songs, as well as her own originals, into a cohesive and unforgettable performance.
Even as I write this, I find it difficult to fathom that Nirvana is only 19 years old. The Manhattan KS native has recently released her second album “Rewind”, a captivating collection of songs covering a diverse array of topics. I listened to it before attending the show and it has now become a regular in my rotation.
Nirvana is poised to leave a lasting impact on the music world, and for a few hours in a dimly lit Paisley Pear amongst clinking wine glasses and the low hum of chatter, I truly flourished in her orbit.
