Dirty Three are the most exciting and different band I think I’ve ever heard. It basically sounds like three Australian men in a shed banging whatever they feel like. Any noise is accepted into a Dirty Three track and their scratchy experimental sound has got them a lot of attention. They’ve even done a track with singer Cat Power who manages to steady the ship a bit to make a gentle alternative song.

Defining the trio’s sound is probably one of the hardest things to do – they’re like a reviewers Everest.  The best way to describe it is different which may sound vague but some songs are slow and melodic and others sound like electricity pylons having a brawl.

The band have made some great tracks and my favourite to listen to has to be their ”Theme Tune”. The track really sums up the band. All the noise in this track should sound disastrous but it strangely seems rhythmic. The crowd popular “Great Waves” featuring Cat Power is the most melodic and complete track that Dirty Three have created. The vocals from Cat Power are simply stunning while the progressive drums and guitar give great support.

One thing to be sure of when listening to Dirty Three is that it’s like nothing else you’ve heard or will hear. The style and genre will most likely mean that they stay in the shadows of the music industry but if you think you have a browed music taste then this trio can certainly put that to the test.

Cat Power has recently been grabbing a lot of attention and boy does she deserve it.  She’s been around long enough (since 1998) but it seems now, she is bigger than ever. Her career has seen her work with the likes of Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder while her vast back catalogue of sustained melodic and gentle ballads is mind boggling.

A lot of people seem to find Cat Power’s material too slow, but give it the time it needs, and the songs grow on you so that before you know it, you’re a fan for life. To me it seems that her music is stripped down to just the essentials. There’s no nonsense – just breathtaking vocals, a lot of emotion, graceful guitars and  peaceful pianos.

Cat Power’s range of material is massive and over the years, she has created quite a few hits to shout about.  “The Greatest” is the song that displays her sheer talent clearly. While the acoustic guitar gives off some complicated melodies, it’s the vocals that set the track alight with strong similarities to Adele.  “Sea Of Love” appears to be the fans favourite and you can see why. Much of the same amazing singing is made to look easy while a soft piano adds an elegant tone.

Cat Power is one of the greatest artists to discover. If you just appreciate a melodic tune and stunning singing that’s not over complicated then Cat Power is for you. If you like one track, you’re likely to like all of her collection and six or so albums should keep you busy for the time being.

Cat Power has announced four dates in June around England, following on from her rise to fame in recent months, in part to her appearance on the Juno soundtrack.

Tickets to see Chan Marshall go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday 20th February, at 9am.

Sunday 8th June – London Hammersmith Apollo
Monday 9th June – Bristol Colston Hall
Tuesday 10th June – Birmingham Academy
Wednesday 11th June – Manchester Academy