Bic Runga – Kings Arms, Nov. 9, 2011

The last time I saw Bic Runga perform as a solo artist was November, 2005 just as her third studio album, Birds was released. Six years later and here she is on the relatively tiny stage of Auckland’s Kings Arms, just about to release her new album, Belle.

Having been away for so long, Bic is essentially starting over, albeit with a back catalogue of wonderful songs to help her out. This Kings Arms gig is the first of two pre-tour shows (the other in Wellington) before she hits the road properly on her church tour next week. So, this first show had the feel of an intimate trial, played out in front of a very forgiving audience.

Bic took the stage along with her guitar to start things off with two songs from her Beautiful Collision album (When I See You Smile & Something Good), before bringing on her band which consisted of two former Mint Chicks. Kody Nielson, who produced Belle, started out on keyboards for two songs before planting himself behind the drum kit and Michael Logie, who doubled as the opening act under the name F In Math, played bass.

The threesome started with Belle, the title track, sung in French and Everything Is Beautiful And New, another tune from the forthcoming album. Kody’s baroque keyboard parts worked well with Bic’s guitar and things seemed to be off to a smooth start.

But there was a long pause while Kody moved to the drums before playing Winning Arrow from Birds and a false start before Get Some Sleep. Then came a rather restless version of Beautiful Collision before and awkward sounding Precious Things. It seemed like the band hadn’t quite worked these out properly. Actually, what seemed apparent by now was the need for a fourth musician on stage…probably a guitarist to fill out the sound and take some of the pressure off of Bic so she could concentrate on her vocal performance.

After admitting to being nervous, they played a fine version of Tiny Little Piece Of My Heart featuring a cool, loping bass line from Logie.

But the two more new songs were less successful. This Girl’s Prepared For War featured Kody’s dad Chris Nielson on trumpet (he plays on the album version). The song was marred by some fluffed notes and questionable vocals. Devil On Tambourine sounded odd with Bic commenting after that it’s a “weird song, isn’t it?”

Kody’s percussion was a nice touch on Bursting Through and Sway made the patient audience happy. They finished with current single Hello Hello and a solo version of Drive.

I suppose a first gig is going to have its ups and downs. That was certainly the case here. Bic’s voice is as strong as ever and the old songs sound like old friends. I would suggest bringing Ruban Nielson on board as guitarist and let Bic focus on her singing. There seemed to be a sonic hole that could use filling. The other problems will no doubt work themselves out once they get a few shows under their belts.

Marty Duda

Click here to listen to Bic Runga perform Everything Is Beautiful And New at the Kings Arms:

Bic Runga set list:

1. When I See You Smile
2. Something Good
3. Belle
4. Everything Is Beautiful And New
5. Winning Arrow
6. Get Some Sleep
7. Beautiful Collision
8. Precious Things
9. Tiny Little Piece Of My Heart
10. Listening For The Weather
11. This Girl’s Prepared For War
12. Devil On Tambourine
13. Bursting Through
14. Sway
15. Hello Hello
16. Drive