Polly Scattergood - Polly Scattergood

by Anthony Strutt

published: 21 / 3 / 2009

Label: Mute Records
Format: CD

Decent debut album from eccentric and Essex-born singer-songwriter, Polly Scattergood

Review

This is the eponymous debut album from the 22 year old Essex-born young blonde singer-songwriter. 'I Hate the Way', which opens the album, was her second single, and, with a vocal from Polly that is reminiscent of Kate Bush and Tori Amos, is a dance-based track of the type that Bjork that might have written. Its second half is primarily narrative, and, about Polly dealing with her boyfriend's wandering eyes, is a fine introduction to the album. 'Other Too Endless' was her third single, and has a classy, big pop sound. Both its production and its delivery are excellent. 'Untitled 27' is piano led, and starts with a little girl lost vocal from Polly that recalls Beth Orton before it goes more in the vein of Tori Amos again. 'Please Don't Touch' finds Polly in eccentric Kate Bush territory and also has a little bit of Sarah Nixey about it. When it gets off the ground it is a decent solid song. 'I am Strong' is a very quiet number with a powerful delivery that tells the story of a real young woman, but which thankfully avoids the trap of sounding mockney like Lily Allen. On 'Unforgiving Arms', upon which she again sounds like Lily Allen, she gives another strong performance. 'Poem Song' was a B side and recollects Bjork with its sad piano and violin. 'Bunny Club' has a sexy, seductive vocal, and Polly sounds on it like a woman singing about a guy in a strip joint. 'Nitrogen Pink' is a big dance number, while 'Breathe In, Breathe Out' is a heartbroken classic last album track, which features just a vocal and sad piano. It is a decent debut album to my ears, although my best friend says the whole album is simply a young girl calling for help.

Track Listing:-

1 I Hate the Way
2 Other Too Endless
3 Untitled 27
4 Please Don't Touch
5 I Am Strong
6 Unforgiving Arms
7 Poem Song
8 Bunny Club
9 Nitrogen Pink
10 Breathe in Breathe Out