LOWmountain: DNA

With an instrumental line-up that includes guitars, dobro, piano, mandolin and ukulele, along with male and female voices, this acoustic trio purvey a blend of country, folk and bluegrass that sounds like it might have come out of West Virginia rather than West Cork, where LOWmountain are, in fact, based. Recalling US roots outfits such as Nickel Creek and Alison Krauss’ Union Station, the harmonies are heavenly, especially on stripped-down tracks like ‘Write To Me’ and ‘Under The Influence’.

Elsewhere, the opening bottleneck guitar on ‘This House’ is reminiscent of Ry Cooder’s soundtrack to Paris, Texas while other highlights include locally-inspired seafaring tales ‘The Wind Around The Fastnet Sweeps’ and ‘She Holds Back The Seas From The Land’. The poignant ‘Lavender Hill’ is another gem of a song. A few more upbeat numbers might have lifted the sombre atmosphere and strengthened the album as a listening experience. That small gripe aside, DNA is well worth hearing.