A reputation as the "new Lily Allen" has given 19-year old Londoner Kate Nash valuable exposure. Last night, in front of the many fans who've discovered her on the web - interspersed with a smattering of media types - she justified her status as the Next Big Thing.

It was clear from the start that attitude was more important to Nash than virtuoso vocals. Accompanying herself on piano for the opening track, Mariella, she laid down a minimal riff, her words, in a strong London accent, backed up only by percussion from her two-man band. "You're full of shit," she cried during The Shit Song. Offensive? Possibly. Juvenile? Certainly, but judging by the reaction of the crowd's teenage contingent, her rants struck a chord.

On the expletive-heavy Dickhead, she vented her spleen at a heartless lover with the self-absorbed venom only a young person can muster. The ironically upbeat Merry Happy and forthcoming single, Foundations, with its cheeky, pumping rhythm, were substantial tracks. For me, however, her finest moment came with The Nicest Thing, on which her haunting guitar strokes complemented her plaintive, poetic lyrics.

Both Nash and Allen aspire to speak for young, female, urban Britain by juxtaposing sugary melodies and angelic vocals with gritty lyrics. Nash does it better, partly because she displays genuine musicianship. More importantly, her songs, laden with the insecurity of youth, come straight from the heart.