Last night I caught up with Olivia Jean at Rough Trade NYC. Well known for her previous lead role with Garage goth band The Black Belles, who were formed by Jack White in 2009, the alt-rock artist has now started to establish herself as a solo act.

Kicking off in an intimate room set in a record store in Brooklyn, Olivia Jean started the show with 'Shut Your Mouth'. Although the sound was rather limited with just a couple of portable PA speakers and amp - it was still good enough to showcase her style and skill.  

Playing with her own band, she continued with Night Owl, Brushfire, Merry Widow and Rhinestone, which were delivered in quickfire succession. Most of these can be found on her latest album Night Owl, released in August. It's also worth noting that she also wrote and produced all the songs on the LP as well. She threw in a Black Belles track towards the end with Wishing Well. With songs like “Reminisce” and “Night Owl” being short and snappy, it's definitely a case of quality, not quantity, from the Nashville-based multi-instrumentalist.

Her sound is heavy but still quite distinctive, forming its unique “bubblegum garage” sound. Elements of various genres including punk, rock, garage rock can be distinguished throughout her set. In addition, sounds of yesteryear can be observed, with the '60s and 70's sounds coming through too.

Sharing lead guitar roles with her guitarist, Jean delivered a high-energy, busy performance brimming with energetic solos and catchy riffs. It's obvious she oozes talent; however, it's just a shame I couldn't have caught her on a larger stage that made for a bigger sound. 

Her audience seemed captivated though, and she hung around for disc signings and pictures. 

With her solo career in its early stages, it will be interesting where she goes from here. However, It's likely she will continue to collaborate with projects with Jack White, being signed to his label Third Man Records. Olivia Jean is definitely a name to look out for.

Full set

Shut Your Mouth

Night Owl

Brushfire

Merry Widow

Rhinestone

Reminisce

Howl At The Moon

Can You Help Me?

If You Don't Love Me By Now

I Used To Be Lonely

Green Honeycreeper

In Two

Wishing Well

Garage Bat

 rock    alternative    garage