Sitting On The Shelf EP

Catriona Irving

Need No Water

2009-11-16

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Catriona Irving is the softly sung DIY queen who is about to find herself breaking through into the mainstream.  Having co-founded her own record label Need No Water with her friend a collaborate Philippa Latimer, Irvin is ready to embark on her first major project.  Following the critical acclaim of Stitch EP and Running On Empathy, Irving is set to release Sitting On The Shelf EP as the first in a trilogy of EPS exploring her latest partnership.

Sitting On The Shelf is a masterpiece in the understated.  From the easy light vocal to the minimal musical accompaniment, Irving barely steps a foot wrong.  Having aligned herself with Dale Grundle of The Sleeping Years on both “Sitting On The Shelf Without Shelly” and “Untitled”, Irving is succinctly spellbinding.  “Sitting On The Shelf Without Shelly” bursts in and out of its bubbly life in less than two minutes.  It oozes innocent charm.  “Untitled” focuses on Irving’s light vocal set against a sparing cello (as played by The Sleeping Years’ Alex Beaumont).  A delicate ode to love, “Untitled” is the perfect opening track to any compilation CD intended for a quiet night cuddling your lover.

Oozes innocent charm.

Always keeping things concise, it is the solo effort “Measurements”, which truly captivates.  Harking back to earlier works, Irving’s whimsical approach shines.  In an interesting twist, Irving has decided to include the Plaisir de France Remix of “Sitting On The Shelf Without Shelly” in the collection.  Paris based DJ Julien Plaisir De France demonstrates a clear understanding of the minimalist appeal of Irving’s work and astutely reworks Sitting On The Shelf Without Shelly retaining the original’s grace.

Sitting On The Shelf is a delicate offering that will have a cult following.  Irving’s fan base is fast growing and her appeal universal.  A gracefully bewitching EP, which won’t be sat on the shelf for very long.