Cathy Davey has already cut quite a presence as the willowy figure during Autamata’s live performance. Now she is on her own, however, the question is: does she have the substance to match the reputation. Or will the weight of expectation weigh her down!
Listening to her debut, it’s easy to see why the gamine Davey caused such frenzied consternation in A&R circles upon her signing to EMI. Not only is her voice elfin, immediate and distinct the songs are also hugely compelling. They are digestible without being lightweight, austere in places without seeming detached. ‘Clean & Neat’ beats with its own distinctive pulse, while ‘Hammerhead’ and ‘Go Make It’ are particularly soft and touching. Like a slightly less cutesy Nina Hynes, or a less visceral PJ Harvey, Davey’s music is unashamedly sexy, almost precocious in places, but still retains a stamp of class. The songwriting is simple and heartfelt, and veers off in different directions without any particular style. Moreover, Cathy is imbued with a wry, clever take on life and love that echoes that of Aimee Mann. Conclusion? Shel’ll make it!
Something Ilk display the tender shoots of what promises to be a hugely illustrious career. Hype can often be akin to the kiss of death for a new artist, but Davey has the sheer talent and the lust for life to kiss right back.
Watching her promises to be a real pleasure…