9

Mixed Bag.

The work of Kingston-Upon-Thames singer-songwriter Dave House is described by his record label as bringing together influences as diverse as The Weakerthans, Death Cab For Cutie and Billy Bragg; in reality it appears to be more influenced by pop than anything else. Dave's voice sounds startingly similar to Robbie Williams' at times (especially on higher notes); and 'Beep Beep (HI HI)' is at heart a harmless yet mediocre slice of jangly pop with a smearing of guitar input. 'Death And Taxes' is a slower and stronger affair, in a style similar to Malcolm Middleton although sadly without the Scotsman's stunning lyrics. It's impossible to loathe either track, but sadly it's equally impossible to love such bland offerings.

Jenny Owen Youngs hails from across the Atlantic and the famous "garden state" of New Jersey. 'F*ck Was I' is a superb piece of music, composed of accoustic instruments, gentle strings and Ms Youngs' husky, feminine and understated vocals. Lyrically it is dark and witty, packed with intruging lines such as 'love grows on me like a tumour'; musically it is catchy and leaves you wanting more. Ani Difranco fans will love it.

'Hot In Here' is unfortunately more of a novelty track - a female, accoustic indie version of a misogynistic rap song. The contrast of style and lyrics for those familiar with the original version does make a valid point about gender in music as well as providing more than mild amusement, but it's hard to imagine anyone wanting to listen to the track more than a handful of times.

'F*ck Was I' is far and away the best song on this split CD, and in fact it alone makes the entire package worth listening to. Dave House seems destined to blend into the background, but Jenny Owen Youngs deserves greater recognition - and her own UK CD release, which will be arriving in the form of an album in May 2007.