The debut offering from 25-year-old singer/songwriter and pianist Katy Carr heralds the arrival of a fresh and unique talent. The Londoner's self-funded, self-produced first outing is an eccentric and eclectic collection of sensual and sexy self-penned folk songs, delivered with verve and humour.
There are a few obvious reference points. The warm cello and busy fretwork on opener 'Ramble My Rose (i)' recall Nick Drake, the drama and passion of the claustrophobic 'Push' sound a tad like PJ Harvey, while Carr's vocal, swirling strings, waltz like rhythms and the unsteady breathing of a concertina on the title track could be prime Kate Bush. Likewise the lilting piano of one of the album's highlights 'Moscow Child',
The naked lust of 'Shine', the gorgeous All About Eve feel of 'Black Widow', shot through with discordant, squabbling strings and the eerie, unsettling feel of 'Knickers' - where, having asked to be saved from the fire, Carr choruses "and you've pulled my knickers off and you've left me by the kitchen sink, you say you won't be coming anymore" - are all compelling tunes.
But it's the brisk, irresistibly catchy 'Marmalade Duke' which provides the album's zenith -"my Marmalade Duke I love the way you spread me on a plate!"- it's irrepressible lust for life a welcome breath of fresh air.
And while there are similarities with certain artists, Carr still maintains an individual sound, thanks to her rich vocal, a strangely dark and medieval feel and some edgy arrangements. Definitely someone to watch out for in 2001.
