This is turning into a landmark year for Cathy Davey, her album The Nameless hit number one the same day as her sell out Olympia Theatre show. Her gig at Oxegen was one of the weekend’s highlights as was her appearance at Electric Picnic, and now Cathy Davey and her band are to play The Royal Theatre, Castlebar, on October 7.
The Nameless is Cathy's third album. Born in Dublin, she grew up in Monkstown and found her way into music almost accidentally. She was signed by Parlophone's Regal Recordings after a batch of home-recorded demos caused a bit of a stir, and played her first live date shortly thereafter. Something Ilk was a gorgeous collection of songs both sultry and sweet, with melodies that soared and guitars that buzzed, drawing comparisons with PJ Harvey
She took her time to make the follow-up. Tales of Silversleeve found its beginnings in some home demos Cathy recorded by herself, and brought with her, fully formed, into the studio. Over the three years since the release of Something Ilk Cathy had learned how to have more faith in the songs themselves, Hit singles like 'Sing for your Supper' and 'Reuben' had a depth and emotional touch that she had been hiding, and there was a confidence in her live shows, too, that won her many new converts.
The Nameless has more of Cathy's personality in it than any of her previous work, and the effect is astonishing. There is a darkness here that is more prominent than before, but it is coupled expertly with songs as fine as anything she has ever written. Lead single ‘Little Red' is the kind of song that will be adopted as a new national anthem, if there is any justice. A pop gem that grew out of long dark nights in that spooky old French house, it has a soaring chorus coupled to a string section that swells and swoons. It is a fine indicator of the songwriting heights Cathy has reached.
Tickets cost €23 from www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from The Royal Box Office on 0818 300 000. For further information check The Royal Theatre and Event Centre website on www.theroyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie
