Damhnait Doyle, Davent

By James Keller

Comparing Damhnait Doyle to the likes of acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriters Emm Gryner and Sarah Harmer (a comparison that is made often), is not entirely unfair. After all, her catchy pop-folk tracks like “Another California Song” and “Traffic” can rival Harmer’s “Don’t Get Your Back Up” with ease. But after a closer listen, this simple description of Doyle’s music–up to and including her new album Davnet–can’t say enough about the musical and lyrical craft she yields.

While the record certainly has its pop staples, they are also complemented with gritty, stripped-down country songs like “Sinkin’ Stone.” That track is a quick, biting example of Doyle’s country-blues roots that could more reasonably be expected at a ’50s country bar than on a new Canadian album. Others, like “Every Hit,” show listeners Doyle’s ability to merge the two extremes, putting together an album full of variety and musical charm.

Yes, it is unfair to label Doyle as just another Canadian female singer-songwriter, when she’s just so much more.