Zoey Van Goey - Propeller Versus Wings

Blimey, this lass has a gorgeous voice! Shame the band are lumbered with such a baz name. But they must like it so who am I to complain? I've never managed to put a finger on these guys. They've a really eclectic sound so their records end up sounding more like a compilation of wide-eyed indie munchkins than a coherent artist album. Example? 'Mountain on Fire' is an atmospheric female vocal-led thing with a glacial wistful approach. 'The Cake & Eating It' is more like perky harmony-rich indie pop, along the lines of bands such as Standard Fare or Allo Darlin' with a bit of Los Campesinos/Bearsuit anarchic bent. One of the guys takes lead vocal here. I like his voice lots, nearly as much as the lass's! 'Sackville Sun' is like a folky Young Marble Giants thing, 'My Aviator' is more a smoky, swinging lounge-jazz number. 'Escape Maps' is a casiotone/piano ballad and 'You Told the Drunks I Knew Karate' is almost a Mariachi Billy Bragg/Proclaimers-esque romp with a college rock attitude! It also has the best title for a song this week, by a mile. So, can I sum this up tidily, in a compact bundle? You see, the first 6 tracks give you an idea of the diversity on offer here. All I can marvel at is Kim Moore's delectable voice. I'm a total sucker for the voices of Scottish women. Even if the music on this album was total gash it'd still get a worthy score from me. Just for that voice! There's also moments on this album which will appeal to fans of The Delgados, Sons & Daughters & Camera Obscura but they've definitely got a charm all of their very own. Deliciously endearing stuff!