Review: Beth Jeans Houghton, Glasgow Captain’s Rest

BETH Jeans Houghton used to wear the outlandish garb of a performance artist, but was concerned that the look detracted from her music; now she has settled for a fetching blue rinse, smelly tour togs and the words “don’t know” written across her knuckles.

And yet her live show could do with an injection of visual ostentation to complement the inherent drama of her ravishing pastoral pop and the athleticism of her soaring vocals, which elegantly vaulted octaves on the delicate Dodecahedron and the swooping Sweet Tooth Bird.

Instead, her presentation was a little timid, the banter with her Hooves a touch too self-conscious and Houghton herself shy enough to be put off her stride by the spontaneous delight which sections of the audience took in her vocal skills.

Still, this Newcastle songstress is definitely one to watch. She marries the light, girlish tone of Laura Marling, the natural vocal power of Florence Welch and the pagan imagery employed by both – “Wicker Man” shouted one punter in approval. But this almost felt like faint praise – after an hour in the presence of her effortless vocal gymnastics, it seemed like only a paltry touring budget could dampen the prospects for a voice like hers.

Seduction achieved, she rounded off her set with an uncharacteristic snotty punk thrash and a throwaway cover of Madonna’s Like A Prayer which flirted with karaoke but dealt a blow to any accusations of preciousness.

Rating: ***