Following on from her debut record Shadow Road Shining, Unbroken Line is the outstanding second album from Dublin-based alt.country singer Ciara Sidine. Ireland is home to many singer-songwriters, but the material on Unbroken Line has a compelling mix of aesthetic brilliance and poignant empathy.

Sidine brings a tremendous amount to the fight for social justice, the cause of women’s equality in particular. ‘Finest Flower’ is a tribute to the survivors of Mother and Baby Homes and Magdalene Laundries, while ‘Let The Rain Fall’ offers healing to those drained by the Roman Catholic Church’s refusal to behave responsibly towards the thousands of people it has abused. ‘Trouble Come Find Me’, meanwhile, is a darkly witchy song about women reclaiming control their over their own bodies.

Co-produced by Sidine and guitarist Conor Brady, the musicianship on Unbroken Line is also exceptional. Feminist cultural insurgent, activist as well as artist, Sidine is a caring person who walks the talk. Her exquisitely sweet and gentle songs bring a tear to the eye; but within them lies intelligence like a blade, and the courage of a warrior.

8/10

Out September 21