Album review: Polly Scattergood

Mar 17 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ALREADY the subject of much critical attention, newcomer Polly Scattergood has been widely tipped to become a big star in 2009.

It was the initial stir created by her startling single Nitrogen Pink that raised expectations for her eponymous debut on Mute, also home to Depeche Mode.

And thankfully, the brou-ha-ha surrounding the 21-year-old appears to be justified, with her bittersweet blend of vivid, confessional lyrics and wild flights of musical fancy demanding attention.

Brilliantly unsettling tracks like album opener I Hate The Way, new single Other Too Endless and Unforgiving Arms conjure up a looking glass world where nothing is quite how it first appears.

Polly’s vocals are reminiscent of Tori Amos as she concocts a lush soundscape that is as quirky as the acclaimed American singer-songwriter’s finest offerings.

Using a diverse mix of instrument including guitar, piano, stylophone and accordion, PS is a genre-hopping album that will surely find favour with rock and electro fans alike.