French Windows

SEPIA-TONED and timeless, Sonny Condell's velvet-tinged voice and mystically-inspired songwriting have long been such an integral part of the Irish musical landscape that he's lately been overlooked in favour of some of his more commercially-inclined peers such as Kieran Goss and Brian Kennedy.

This is a shame really, as his live shows, both solo and with sometime partners Scullion, are always compelling affairs. But on record his brilliance shines through even more forcefully as French Windows once again demonstrates.

Recorded with a band that includes Neil McColl, Roy Dodds and Graham Henderson (who also produced), it's slightly more contemporary sounding than his last couple of outings with more electric guitars and expansive arrangements.

His songs, in the main moving vignettes replete with emotional tension, are instantly recognisable - the opener, 'Wishful Thinking' is quintessential Condell, with driving acoustic guitar, clipped vocals and a gently soaring chorus. Even better is 'They Don't' Say' a lushly-textured countryish ballad with a gorgeous melody, while 'A Dust of Frost' is another evocative song with opaque lyrics.

The title track, coming at the end of the album is most complex rhythmically and melodically, blending a Bo Diddley riff with a shimmering keyboard backdrop.

If Condell has a fault it's a tendency towards sameness in the tempo of the songs and a lack of a discernible hook in some otherwise solid numbers. But that said, this will doubtless further enhance his reputation as one of our most valued talents.