The Nameless Hammer Toe Records****

2007's

Tales of Silversleeve

marked a steep rise in Cathy Davey's progression as a songwriter, displaying a massive growth in confidence since her tentative debut. Her third album establishes her as one of our finest musicians.

The Nameless showcases a further evolution of Davey's songwriting skills and diversity with melody, and if it's perhaps not as slick or commercial as its predecessor, it's packed with enough interesting kinks and quirks to enchant its listener. Instantly captivating pop occasionally takes a backseat to seductive string-laden tunes such as the gorgeous Bad Weather, but the shady bass groove of Habit and the easygoing lightness of Little Redand In He Comestemper Davey's more sombre, mature moments perfectly.

An album to hum along with for the rest of the year and beyond. Fantastic.

See cathydavey.com

Download tracks:Little Red, Habit