The trouble with an artist like Natccu is finding words that do her justice.

Born Natsuko Sato in Tokyo, Natccu (pronounced “na-chew”) is a singer and a songwriter, but not a singer-songwriter. Her music is dark-edged pop that defies easy explanation. It’s multilayered, unpredictable and deep, yet instantly memorable. And while she is largely influenced by British and American artists, she carries an Eastern sensibility that makes her music utterly unique.

Best of all is her voice: at times hysterical, filled with dramatic gulps of passion; and then quiet, seductive or sweet; but always with a measure of control that is dizzying. Natccu’s voice soars over a bed of dirty guitars and tight rhythm, singing lyrics that are in turn cynical, angry, hopeful and beautiful.

Natccu’s first album, ‘Sketchbook’, was awash with epic melodies and direct production. This sound has evolved into something lean and exciting, leading to a new batch of as-yet unreleased pop songs that drip subversive cool.

A UK tour in October 2008 took Natccu to Manchester’s revered In The City festival and a radio session recorded in the English countryside, which played out to 500,000 people across the ocean via New York station Breakthru Radio. In March 2009, Natccu will head Stateside herself for shows in LA and at Texas’ South By Southwest festival.

But no amount of hyperbole can properly explain the wonder of Natccu and her abrasive yet addictive music. You’ll just have to listen for yourself.