Four years on from the release of their effervescent debut album, The Crayon Set unveil its intriguing sequel. Boasting a slight shift in sound, the Dublin-based six-piece have mined their Americana influences this time around, delivering an assured and mature opus. Produced by Gavin Glass, their second record deals with a number of interlocking themes, such as growing up in Ireland, making sense of the madness that is modern life, and dealing with love and loss.

Lovers of bands like Drive-By Truckers and The Jayhawks will have plenty to sink their teeth into on Lost Languages. Opening strongly with the gleaming ‘Are You Ready’ – which has a euphoric vibe reminiscent of Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros’ ‘Johnny Appleseed’ – the album boasts further winners in the wistful ‘Yesterday Man’ and the fiddle-led ‘More Love’. Saving the best ’til last, ‘O’Connell Street’ is an hypnotic and haunting number which could be huge given the right breaks. Featuring stirring piano, crackling feedback and pounding drums, it’s an unforgettable five minutes of shoegaze-flavoured goodness.
7/10
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