Pina

Pina Kollers slips onto the stage like a shadow. Clad entirely in black, her hair falling in dark strands against her face, she appears shy, even self-conscious. The Austrian singer-songwriter, who now makes her home in Ardgroom, Co.Cork, is only just beginning her journey into the limelight, with the release this year of her debut album Quick Look.

But any impression of fragility that Pina gives is blown away as soon as she begins to sing. Strong, grainy and stark, her voice resonates with a unique, gorgeously atmospheric charm. Her songs, meanwhile, are equally impressive. Earthy, whirly tunes about love and loss, they have instantly hummable choruses, distinctive hooks and a striking individuality at their heart.

Unfortunately, for at least the first half of the set, the songs seem to be ‘performed’ for the audience rather than lived through. The band take quite a while to relax into the music and, given the miniscule number of tunes they have to play, this is a luxury they cannot afford. In addition, the lack of a bassist or second guitarist makes for a slightly empty sound, which even Pina’s assured guitar playing and the keyboardist’s wonderfully swirly rhythms cannot disguise.

That said, there is considerable talent and ability on display here tonight. Pina clearly has excellent raw materials at her disposal. All she needs to do now is figure out how to make the best use of them.

Definitely one to watch.