Review of Cathy Davey's CD "Clean And Neat"

Cathy Davey: Clean And Neat

In which a 25-year-old sweet and innocent looking gal makes a distinctly sweet and innocent sounding song. But it's not quite as sugary and cute as it appears on first listen. A stamping drum beat and a lazy, repetitive guitar strum create a clattering, insistent pulse. Add to this a whispered, almost childish vocal lilting over the top and you have a strangely appealing verse which makes you lean in and listen closely as if being told a secret in the corner of the school playground.

This makes a compelling contrast to the soaring, squeaky-pop chorus, which gives the song an interesting crossover value. Luckily, unlike the attitude-drenched, power-pop, independence-toting mainstream females of today, Davey isn't glittery or glamourised and retains an approachable, rootsy, homegrown ethic with a musty piano thumping about and, here and there, a couple of quirky twists in the otherwise monotonous backing.

This track is probably just a glimpse at Davey's talent, although her endearing voice needs to show a rougher, rawer edge to grab more attention. What's more, it's hard not to feel that the understated, simplistic drum and guitar beat is basically The Strokes' 'Last Nite' doused with hefty amounts of tranquilliser. To be honest, you might want to be on tranquillisers yourself to want to listen to this repeatedly.

• www.cathydavey.co.uk

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