One suspects that Polly Scattergood will soon tire of the obvious comparisons to Tori Amos, but given how inescapable they are, she may have to get used to them.
From the moment she coos of “pennies in our pockets” on ‘I Hate The Way’, her debut album’s debut track, one can’t help but think of Amos, and to a lesser extent, Kate Bush. The ensuing, piano-led, 10-song collection does little to dispel these associations. And yet, Scattergood does attempt to establish a style of her own.
The album maintains a melancholy, somewhat overwrought atmosphere, with typically hushed, vibrato vocals delivered over light electronica, piano, guitars and other ornamentation.
Introspective, breathless, and urgent as on ‘Please Don’t Touch,’ Scattergood’s lyrical themes tend towards narration of problematic relationships, doubt and general unhappiness. Rare musically upbeat moments such as the aforementioned ‘Please Don’t Touch’ and ‘Bunny Club’ (which clumsily borrows from Snow Patrol’s snorecore hit ‘Run’) seem to maintain the lyrical gloominess pervading Scattergood’s world.
Despite some unexpected and interesting instrumental touches, it is perhaps the lack of variation in the generally drab mood, which leaves a lingering sense that something is lacking.
However, at just 21, writing all the songs and playing a number of instruments, there is plenty of time for Scattergood to develop further.