With a stunning voice that calls to mind the likes of Amanda Palmer, PJ Harvey, and Anna Rest Easy, London’s The Cheek Of Her has released her new single, ‘9 Lives’ The song will be closely followed by her new EP, ‘Black Heart Mantra’, out on May 2.
The Cheek Of Her (TCOH) is solo artist Helen Dooley, whose songs are jam packed with witty lyrics and catchy melodies – delivered in a dark, raw and edgy fashion. TCOH “tells it like it is”, and she’s gained UK airplay on Alex Lester’s BBC Radio 2 show, as well as coverage in Ireland, Switzerland, Romania, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands.
‘Black Heart Mantra’ is the second EP release for TCOH, who’s also released one full length debut album, as well as a number of singles. Music News compares her to Lily Allen, Marina Diamandis and Paloma Faith, but we feel her brash style (and full vocalisation) is far closer to Amanda Palmer. This is most evident in her song, ‘The Future Is Purple’, the third on the five track EP, with its haunting lyrics and sparse piano.
The lead track from the EP, ‘9 Lives’, blackly describes a failed relationship, and what the singer would do if she’d have another chance – “In another life”. Helen’s voice carries the song, with the instruments taking second stage, but nonetheless supporting perfectly. ‘9 Lives’ reminds us of Sia, more than any of the others – so much heartache and despair.
TCOH has performed live at a number of London’s iconic venues, including The Dublin Castle, The O2 Academy Islington, and The 100 Club. Given the sheer amount of passion in her recorded material we can only imagine her live shows would be even more spectacular.
‘Black Heart Mantra’ features Helen Dooley on Vox and Piano, Sean Kennedy on Guitars, Bass, Strings, and Programming, and Chris Hardwick on Drums. Long term TCOH collaborator Sean also Produced, Mixed and Mastered the EP, while Pete Maher Mastered the ‘9 Lives’ Single.
‘9 Lives’ was released on 11 April, ahead of ‘Black Heart Mantra’, out on 2 May. ‘Black Heart Mantra’ is available to pre-order from iTunes.
You can find The Cheek Of Her on her official website, Facebook, and Twitter.
