The Vickers Vimy seems to be quite popular this year. First, novelist Colum McCann wrote about its historic 1919 flight from Newfoundland to Clifden in his acclaimed novel TransAtlantic. Now this Galway-based, five-piece folk collective have named themselves after the iconic plane.
Formed by Ed Drea and Fintan Hanley, who quickly roped in fellow musicians Ciaran Byrne, Eamonn Mulderrig and Colm O Conghaile, this accomplished debut also features the hugely talented Colm Mac An Iomaire of The Frames and The Swell Season fame) Produced by Daragh O’Toole and mixed by Ger McDonnell, That Vinyl Scratch is a gloriously timeless album that sounds as though it could just as easily have been recorded 50 years ago as last week. Hardly surprising given that the band are massive fans of Wilco and Americana, and largely inspired by the warm sounds of old movies and vintage records. Despite the moniker, they never really take full aggressive flight. Featuring guitars, gentle percussion and hints of brass, these 11 songs of love and heartbreak are consistently relaxed, mellow and melancholic. The jaunty ‘Old Fashioned Lover’ is about as swinging as they get.
The Vickers Vimy wasn’t exactly renowned for its comfort, but this is first-class stuff.

Key Track: 'Devil on your Back'