Words by Ciera Littleford

ItÔÇÖs Sunday evening in Cardiff, and the normally bustling Albany Road is quiet to mark the end of the weekend. The Globe doesnÔÇÖt know whatÔÇÖs about to hit it.

Nadine Shah and her band are scorching a trail across the country, with the help of Hull punk group, Life. In such an uncertain political and social climate, for most of us ShahÔÇÖs third album Holiday Destination is a welcome snap back to reality.

Life may seem like an odd support choice musically, but theyÔÇÖre just as passionate about their message, and their energy onstage is unrivalled. Vocalist Mez Green struts and gestures like a young Jarvis Cocker, belting out an impassioned Trainspotting-esque commentary on culture on ÔÇÿIn Your HandsÔÇÖ.

The atmosphere is electric with anticipation by the time Shah and her band come onstage, launching straight into ÔÇÿPlace Like ThisÔÇÖ. Sure enough, everyoneÔÇÖs dancing by the time that staggeringly fun riff fills the room. Nadine meanders around the stage with assurance, and doesnÔÇÖt stop until the set is over. ┬áThe anger and passion that weaves through the album is translated perfectly on stage as she demands through a grimace, ÔÇÿhow you gonna sleep tonight?ÔÇÖ.

ItÔÇÖs not all angst, though, because as well as being immensely talented and resolutely sincere, Nadine Shah is also remarkably funny. Following Theresa MayÔÇÖs comment that she doesnÔÇÖt want a cabinet full of ÔÇÿyes menÔÇÖ, which is a song on Holiday Destination, Shah mentions that May must have listened to the album, but ÔÇÿprobably streamed it, the bastard!ÔÇÖ. Some older favourites feature among the setlist too, such as the gorgeous slow-burner ÔÇÿStealing CarsÔÇÖ, which she jokes is her ÔÇÿhitÔÇÖ.

ItÔÇÖs Sunday evening in Cardiff, but no one leaves the gig looking ready for bed. ThereÔÇÖs an enlightened, somewhat motivated chatter bouncing around The Globe, which is exactly why we still need these brilliant, powerful albums, and the riveting gigs that go with them.