Even on paper, Julie Feeney looks like one of those disgustingly talented, incredibly accomplished and effortlessly gifted types. It'd be all to easy to look upon the Galwegian with an inferiority complex twice the size of Eyre Square - but when she's got the smarts to back up the chatter, it's hard to disagree.
Having had her Choice Music Prize-winning debut '13 Songs' internationally acclaimed upon its release in 2005, Feeney became a near-recluse for the recording of its follow-up. One of the most technically adept musicians in Ireland (a multi-instrumentalist, she composed and arranged the orchestral score for 'Pages', as well as conducted the musicians and produced the album herself), it's immediately apparent that a lot of work has gone into her second album. Every note seems in place, every swoop of strings and toot of trumpet serves a purpose, while Feeney's own voice - both elegant and well-rounded - deftly acts as the tug-boat guiding the quietly majestic steam cruiser into harbour.
There are several lithe, chic pop tunes ('Love is a Tricky Thing', 'Mr. Roving Eye Guy') that mop up the occasional sweeping, stately melancholia ('Grace', 'One More Tune') with a lighthearted subtlety, and her clever vocal layering technique adds depth to songs like the excellent 'Myth' and 'Knock Knock'. If there's one blemish on these 'Pages', though, it's that there's a slight dip around the last third of the album. As lovely as 'Nothing to Declare' and 'Life's Nudge' are, they almost seem too ordinary to be placed on such a special album. All in all, though, Feeney could very well be the first artist to do the double at next year's Choice Music Prize.
