Album Review: Cathy Davey, New Forest

Created in not one but two forests (Woodford in Galway and Connemara), Davey’s first album since 2010’s still shimmering The Nameless aims to examine the complexities of humans by using nature as a metaphor. Comprising 11 tracks, album number four feels every bit the “comeback album”. It is assured, alluring and hugely imaginative , effortlessly picking up where Davey left off before she took a break from music to found an animal rescue centre.

The record opens strongly with ‘New Forest’, a theatrical composition which could soundtrack a warped version of a Brothers Grimm fairytale. Things really kick off on ‘Snitch’, a skiffle tinged number which calls to mind Fun Boy Three and Bananarama’s ‘Ain’t What You Do’. It’s followed by the cerebral pop of ‘Armadillo’. Taking its cues from ‘Beauty School Drop Out’ (from the Grease Soundtrack), it’s a stunning, ‘50s sock hop-inspired number with barking mad lyrics, and it feels like a world beater. The dream-like torch song ‘Chrysocoma’ rounds off the record in style, and ensures this latest visit to Davey’s weird and wonderful world is one you’ll want to repeat time and time again.