Far more than just a pretty face

A bob-haired former catwalk model who boasts three masters degrees, Feeney is a strikingly bold singer-songwriter pitched somewhere between Imogen Heap at her most atmospheric and a quirky, post-era Björk.

At the first of three small shows in London this week, sporting a black, Biba-esque shift dress and positioned behind keyboards she occasionally played, the Galway-born twentysomething captivated the crowd from the moment she stepped on stage.

Accompanied by a cellist, an accordion player and a drummer whose tiny kit would have embarrassed even a teenage beginner, Feeney presented sparse, hypnotic, haunting songs with vocals that veered from childishly sweet to determinedly detached.

Opener Judas was buoyed by tumbling lines of tuneful lyrics delivered with more than a nod to Feeney's past as a professional choral singer. You Broke The Magic was effortlessly enchanting, melodic pop and current download-only single Wastin' a powerful, high-pitched piano ballad Tori Amos would kill to get her hands on.

The entire set came from Feeney's debut album, 13 Songs, released here early next year, on which the singer, songwriter and producer plays an impressive 11 instruments.

It is her crystal clear, strangely seductive voice, however, that really marks Feeney out from the crowd. Yes, she looks good, but for once the product is more than the package.

Julie Feeney, Bex Marshall
The Troubadour
Old Brompton Road, Earls Court, SW5 9JA