Aine Merme – the mysterious alias of Natuka Natsvlishvili – presented an evening of musical exploration in the intimate and evocative Klara Bar, Tbilisi. Aine Merme is known for her daring compositional styles and intricate melodic arrangements. She represents the intersection of traditionalism and innovation in the Georgian music scene. This performance, which included the collaboration of Nika Gabadze as a fellow guitarist, was a testimony to her unique artistic perspective and musical prowess.
The Perfect Blend of Intricate Melody with Soared Voice
Aine Merme’s music is a fusion of classical song structures and modernity. Her compositions are a complex sonic tapestry, where multi-layered melody intertwines to create a coherent yet intense sonic experience. This duality was evident right from the start, as she embarked upon a journey which was both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
The set began with a piece which immediately demonstrated her command of harmony. Aine’s guitar playing, characterized by its fluidity and precision, laid the foundation for her voice. Her vocals, with a powerful yet delicate timbre, were able to navigate the intricate melodic line with ease. Each phrase was given a subtle nuance. The interaction between her voice and guitar created a dialogue which was both compelling and deeply emotional.
The Guitar’s new role: central character in a musical narrative
Aine Merme’s musical philosophies are centered around her redefinition the guitar’s function. In her hands, she uses the guitar as a character rather than an instrument to accompany the story of each composition. This was evident throughout the performance in the way that she used a variety techniques to extract a range of textures and tones from the guitar.
Aine’s guitar play was a masterclass of versatility. From delicate fingerpicking to vigorous strumming, Aine is a master at versatility. This was especially effective in pieces that had the guitar mimicking the human voice. It created a seamless blend between instrumental and vocal lines. Her use of unconventional tunings and harmonics added a layer of complexity to her music, inviting the listener to engage on a deeper level.
Aine Merme & Nika Gabadze: Symbiotic collaboration
Nika Gabadze’s guitar brought a new dimension into the performance. Gabadze, an accomplished guitarist in his own rights, added his own style of melodic and rhytmic innovation to Aine’s. The interplay of the two musicians was marked with a palpable sense of synergy. Each guitarist intuitively responded to the cues of the other.
Their duets displayed a variety of dynamics, from gentle, introspective moments to powerful, climactic ones. The contrast between Aine’s meticulous and almost cerebral style and Nika’s more emotional and spontaneous playing created a rich, varied soundscape. This collaboration highlighted the guitar’s potential as a multifaceted musical instrument that can both lead and support the narrative.
Beyond the Boundaries
The concert at Klara bar was not only a display of technical ability and compositional ingenuity, but also a reflection on Aine Merme’s evolving artistry. She invites her listeners to a world of fluid boundaries and constantly redefined roles. Her ability to balance innovation with tradition and complexity with accessibility makes her a unique voice in the contemporary landscape of music. Aine Merme’s performance was a powerful reminder of the transformative powers of music and endless possibilities that arise when artists dare to push the limits of their craft.
By Ivan Nechaev
Read More @ georgiatoday.ge