Julie Feeney - pages

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Pushes pop in unusual directions

Here's an album which may require two things that are in very short supply: patience and a willingness to step outside the comfort zone. Sign up to both and you'll get your money's worth.

Feeney's 2006 debut '13 Songs' announced a maverick talent and 'pages' gives her a bigger sound for showcasing it.

Working with a full orchestra, she pushes pop in unusual directions (no guitar, bass, drums or keyboards) and challenges you to follow - sometimes you're quicker at catching up than others.

While her delivery and ability to wrap her voice around very demanding lines are excellent, two of the best songs are also the most direct, the ballads 'Stay' and 'Grace'.

That could be a dilemma for the future, but it's a nice dilemma to have.

Harry Guerin

Tracklisting: Love is a Tricky Thing - Impossibly Beautiful - Grace - Valentine's Song - One More Tune - Myth - Mr Roving Eye Guy - Stay - Life's Nudge - Monster - Nothing to Declare - Knock Knock