REVIEW : Differently

There's something altogether likeable about Aussie singer/songwriter Cassie Davis. There seems to be an underlying genuine-ness to her rock-chick demeanour and the fact that she's written or co-written every track but one on her debut album 'Differently' seems to suggest she's not your regular run-of-the-mill popstar.
'Differently' explodes onto your speakers in a burst of guitars, drums and rock chick vocals right from the get-go, which happens to be a track called 'Don't Wanna Dance'. Punchy first single 'Like It Loud' follows, instantly recognisable, instantly likeable - and the kind of track you could grind your teeth into at your local karaoke bar.
'Reset' drags down the energy (and the pace) to give the listener a little respite from the clatter, before once again morphing into a No Doubt-esque power-pop track, while 'Criminal' brings proceedings down a little more with a urban verse and Kelly Clarkson chorus.
We actually recognised one of the co-write names on third single 'Do It Again' - Leah Haywood - a former Sony Music poppet who released a string of pop singles earlier in the decade including 'We Think It's Love. 'Do It Again' is back to the electric guitars, punchy bass, hand claps, high powered vocals and the catchy-as-swine-flu chorus.
'Differently' introduces a dark, throbbing electro beat, 'No More' mellows the tone and 'Mess Of Mine' does so even more, allowing us to (briefly) hear a superb vulnerability to Cassie's voice before the electric guitars break in to remind us of what we're listening to.
There's plenty to like throughout the album's 14 tracks, and it's power and energy slap you fairly and squarely between the eyes. Loud, raucous, relentless and fun, 'Differently' is an album that demands attention.