One-time winners of the Guinness/Hot Press Play On The Day competition, Donegal four-piece In Their Thousands specialise in wonderfully hypnotic art-rock, showcased to perfection on their latest album Acrasia. Opener 'Faults' is a beguiling slice of atmospheric Americana, with echoes of luminaries like Smog and Cowboy Junkies.
The title track is gloomy post-punk a la Interpol or Editors, while the sweeping 'Blood Vessels' has a widescreen power tailor-made for arenas. Perhaps the real standout is the slow-burning 'Get Over Myself', the slowburning rhythm and haunting desolation of which recalls the darker realms of the post-rock. There are some inspired lyrical flourishes too, capturing a sense of melancholic loneliness: "I see people in the cities / They take it all in and let it all go".
Elsewhere, 'Money' bristles with angst; 'Golden Dreams' is exquisite acoustic folk; and the thumping 'Stoned' is a proper indie anthem. Overall, another hugely impressive effort from one of the country's most underrated bands.

8/10