Album Review: Les SalAmandas, There's a Sea Between Us

As a village that artists, creatives and non-conformists from around the world have been flocking to for years, it’s fitting that Ballydehob provides the central setting for Les SalAmandas’ story. The duo – made up of Julie O’Sullivan and Colyne Laverriere, who hails from France – have embraced a sound that embodies the wild yet harmonious spirit of the West Cork village’s diverse community, as they present a compelling blend of folk, indie-pop and soulful elements on their eagerly anticipated debut album, There’s A Sea Between Us.

On the surface, there’s a deceptive, though appealing, simplicity to Les SalAmandas’ approach. But the pair, who originally met as co-workers in a local restaurant, Budds, have also slipped both a quiet confidence and a raw emotional depth into their music, with their natural idiosyncrasies shining through their instantly engaging melodies.

There’s occasionally hints of other notable duos like First Aid Kit and Lemoncello in the music, but Julie and Colyne have found something that’s refreshingly authentic and organic in their collaboration, which is particularly evident in live performances. Occasionally drifting into French on several tracks, including the moving ‘Réjane’, There’s A Sea Between Us is a border-transcending collection that gently but authoritatively navigates love and loss – and cements Les SalAmandas’ status as a seriously promising new force in Irish music.

7/10

Out now