Cavan man Paul McCann, whose apprenticeship includes consorting with the likes of Rufus Wainwright, Pugwash and The Strypes, is pushing for major recognition.

On this, his Covid-delayed second album, he has co-opted such luminaries as Jason Falkner, Charlotte Hatherley, Majella O’Reilly, Brendan Scott and Gary Lucas, while his influences are many-faceted: from The Byrds to Wilko Johnson, Queens Of The Stone Age and The Thrills.

Alter Ego soars from the off, thanks to ‘World Keeps Turning’, which boasts Byrds-y harmonies and a bewitching melody. ‘Lost In The Moment’ rattles and hums amid sparkling guitars and a churning rhythm, while ‘Love Is All That Matters’ lightens the sonic mood, with Sylvie Lewis joining McCann for some ‘60s-style west coast vocals.

‘The Voice Of Reason’ tears it up, with twin guitar lines and an infectious hook (sorry, no vaccines currently available). The exuberance is relentless, as jet sounds propel ‘Something Has Changed’, with Charlotte Hatherley adding spice to McCann’s yearning voice.

Alter Ego revolves around his unerring songs of lust and longing, elegantly decked out in fluent melodies. His vocals are convincing, transmitting emotions from joy through confusion to anger. He sounds like he’s in it for the long haul.

7.5/10

Out now.