Sixpence None the Richer Steals the Show

The double bill that found Sixpence None the Richer opening for Crash Test Dummies at the House of Blues on Thursday was a rare example of an opening act catching a bigger buzz than the headliner. And not without some justification: While the ascendant Sixpence displayed a commitment to stage polish and song craft, Crash Test Dummies were content to yuk it up with pallid, nudge-wink material.

Austin-based Sixpence None the Richer struggled to be heard for seven years before it finally broke through earlier this year with “Kiss Me,” a gossamer-thin slice of romantic puffery that is currently a Top 5 single.

The band’s material, most of which is steeped in lovelorn sentiment, is pretty and frilly; its vertiginous, minor-scale melodies strongly echo those of the Sundays and 10,000 Maniacs. But it could have curdled into mimicry on stage were it not for the oddly compelling presence of lead singer Leigh Nash. With her gorgeous, unaffected voice, Nash soared high above the band’s vigorously played folk-pop.

Winnipeg’s Crash Test Dummies experienced a brief whiff of fame with 1994’s bizarre story-song “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm,” and then receded into semi-obscurity. At the House of Blues, it was easy to see why: The band’s satiric soul-rock grew tedious in a hurry, and frontman Brad Roberts’ obnoxious mincing and prancing was grating rather than ingratiating.