Polichinelle

Bloodied but unbowed, The Prayer Boat return to the fray with Polichinelle, their second album. It's been eight years since Oceanic Feeling hit the shelves and the four-piece have been through more than their fair share of trials and tribulations since. However, they have grown all the stronger for it, as evidenced by this superb collection of songs to fall in love with and to.

Polichinelle is an album of rare beauty, a truly wonderful, warm and sincere hoard of gems, performed with a passion and talent which is unique to the Blessington quartet.

Obviously, Emmet Tinley is the focal point. His soaring vocals at times seem to be not of this world, with echoes of the late, lamented Jeff Buckley. Songs like former singles 'Saved', where his voice reaches for the heavens, and the masterful 'Dark Green' need to be lived with for a while for their bruised beauty to shine forth, as Emmet's voice and the richly layered music pour over the listener.

Current single, 'Slow Down', is a departure for the band, a super smooth soulful groove that is so laid-back it's in danger of falling over. 'Dead Flowers' is a sumptuous affair, a piano ballad par excellence, while 'Balance' is more uptempo but still wonderfully crafted. 'In My Arms Again' sees the rest of the band stealing the limelight, the music evoking an aching sensuality as it sweeps towards its finale.

The standout, though, is 'It Hurts To Lose You': a contender for the finest and most honest breaking-up song this listener has ever heard. With a melody that effortlessly evokes a sense of melancholy and lyrics that cut right to the heart of the matter, I defy anyone to remain unmoved as Emmet bleeds his soul out: "Though I needed to know why/ I tried only to make you laugh . . . after you left, the sky rained for the first time/ and I went to see what I could find to blow my mind."

Instantaneous gratification is not, however, the order of the day. These songs won't necessarily grab you the first time you hear them, but they last all the longer for it. Live with them awhile and it's hard not to fall for their graceful charms.

The Prayer Boat are a very special act and Polichinelle could be their masterpiece. Cherish them.