I attended two shows last week, breaking a long January drought. Marissa Nadler’s performance in a Providence club traditionally hosting metal gigs stood out. Nadler, known for her goth-folk style, captivated the audience with her atmospheric music and whispered lyrics. Her songs, often exploring themes of lost love and unsolved early 20th-century crimes, are deeply compelling.
In Boston, I caught Margo Price live for the sixth time. Initially celebrated for her album “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” Price experimented with a Stevie Nicks-inspired sound but has since returned to country roots. During her set, she delivered a high-energy performance with memorable covers like “Maggie’s Farm” and “Deportee.” Opener Pearl Charles’s Laurel Canyon-esque vibe left little impact.
Elsewhere in music, British rapper J Hus impressed with his album “Beautiful and Brutal Yard,” blending smart lyrics and Afrobeat influences. Jaz Karis’s “Safe Flight” offered solid but unremarkable contemporary R&B. Peggy Lee’s “Open Thread” fascinated with its cello-centric Australian jazz/improv style, creating a unique soundscape. Shabaka’s switch to Japanese flutes on “Perceive Its Beauty, Acknowledge Its Grace” brought contemplative melodies, albeit veering towards New Age.
Finally, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 finalists include Joy Division/New Order and others, amid expected debates. Despite challenging times, immersing in art and beauty remains crucial.