Máire

The haunting melodies which lie at the heart of Clannad's appeal have beauty all of their own making, and the x-factor in their aural impact is the voice of Máire Brennan. Elemental, ethereal and lovely, it is capable of instantly altering or inducing a mood, such is its singular power to transport.

Freed from the discipline of working with the family firm, Máire's debut solo album is an arresting work in its own right, and from the off, confirms that the singer is also a talented songwriter.

'Oro', a hymn to her newborn daughter Aisling, is quite lovely, the massed vocals of her sisters Olive, Dee and Bridin giving the song an extra kick.

There's also a strong spiritual element here and elsewhere, perhaps reflecting the composer's rekindled personal faith, 'I Believe' and 'Beating Heart' being but the most obvious examples.

Harp and vocals coalesce beautifully on 'No Easy Way', its structure suggesting crossover potential into the broad arena of World Music. It would be interesting, I think to see a collaboration between Máire and the likes of the Ofra Haza and Marie Boine Persen.

If the album does have a flaw it is that the quality of the melodies doesn't always live up to the standard of the vocals throughout. They are, as you would expect, quite, quite awesome. But, overall, this is a compelling work, an auspicious beginning to the latest phase of a fascinating life in music.