Album Review: Elaine Malone, Pyrrhic

Prominent in the Cork DIY scene for over a decade, Elaine Malone's debut drips with punk magnetism. The multi-talented musician is well-known for her hauntingly evocative vocals, now complemented by an increasingly mature lyricism – and an incredible backing band.

With three singles released ahead of the LP, fans had been treated to a taste of Malone's otherworldly creativity. "Genre-bending" isn’t quite the right term to describe the album – from raspy punk to mystic lilts, Malone truly stands out among homegrown artists.

‘Moontread’ – one of the singles – traffics in deep grungy vibes, while 'Open Season’ eases listeners into a cacophony of sound in the most pleasing way possible.

‘My Baby’s Dead’ offers a wildly interesting spin on country, with jazzy vocals to boot.

Malone reminds me of a more DIY and punk-rock Sinéad O’Connor, if that's possible. Throughout Pyrrhic, there are also echoes of groups like Alice In Chains, The XX, Cigarettes After Sex and Massive Attack.

It all makes for an impressively eclectic listen.

9/10