The Cheek of Her is London-based Helen Dooley, a singer-songwriter whose style blends the combustible orchestral-pop of Amanda Palmer with the melodically enthralling angst of PJ Harvey, two comparisons that make for an accessible but uniquely affecting sound showcased on new track “9 Lives”. The track begins with Dooley’s flexible vocals over a simple piano lead, with swelling strings eventually leading into a soaring chorus that features an additional backing vocal melody, in call-and-response form similar to several Palmer tracks. The lead-in to the chorus right after the two-minute mark highlights some additional string accompaniments that play off very well, especially with the increasingly anthemic percussion. The track is off her upcoming Black Heart Mantra EP, out May 2nd.
