Cathy Davey – Tales Of Silversleeve

1st Jun 2008

Irish born Cathy Davey is a little known entity in the UK at the moment but not for much longer. This, her second album, is a wonderful gem of material that deserves to be applauded and embraced. Without any shadow of a doubt, you will be hearing much, MUCH more about this lovely Dubliner in the near future.

Opening track ‘Sing For Your Supper’ a magical pop sing-song with beautiful harmonies. The song is uplifting and you are hooked on the sweet-sounding vocal within seconds whilst the beat builds into a foot-tapping, joyous gallop. With a minimal amount of production and basic instruments the sound is raw and personal on each track and Davey brings a mix of influences to each song. ‘The Collector’ has a jazz feel, ‘Harmony’ brings the breathy glamour of a smokey 1940s dance hall to life and ‘Can’t Help It’ has a hint of reggae.

‘Rubbish Ocean’ is like a classic 60s soul ballad. Vocal harmonies, lots of oooooo’s and what sounds like a Hammond organ make for a doo-wop, bee-hive wearing shimmy. Delicate ‘All Of You’ ends the Tales Of Silversleeve journey perfectly with Davey’s wonderful voice stripped bare in a spooky dark tune with a fleeting glimpse of the Midsummer Murders theme tune thrown in.

The pop/folk mix and vocal brings comparisons to KT Tunstall, Emma Pollock and the sexy tone of The Cardigans’ Nina Persson. Davey uses her voice effectively and the epic, atmospheric effect of the album craves for you to experience it live.