Founded in the late '90s in Cork, Boa Morte's early days are like a movie - and not a happy one either. Thanks to record label implosions and legal red tape, these one-time contenders unfortunately found themselves knocked out in the first round, when their debut Soon It Will Come Time To Face The World Outside sat on the shelf gathering dust for a few years. Thankfully, the four-piece's story doesn't end there. Their third LP Before There Was Air is a tale of redemption - and a reminder to never let the bastards grind you down.

This is a luxurious listen, crammed with hushed hymns and magnetic slow-burners. For good measure, the band have also added ambient elements to augment their dark folk and slowcore sound. At times reminiscent of latter day Victory At Sea, the record rewards repeat plays, with the whispered vocals especially hypnotic. Highlights include the stirring 'Ships Passing'; the Wicker Man-style 'Sea Creatures'; and the fractured folk of 'The Garden'. Some things really are worth the wait.

7/10