Salthouse

The Fethard-based four-piece Salthouse, consisting exclusively of members of the Colfer clan, launched their debut album Hanging By A Thread with a live gig. The setting was most appropriate given the band’s literate lyrical approach and the brooding intensity and intelligence they bring to contemporary indie rock.

Stephen Colfer’s tasty acoustic guitar set the scene for ‘In Your Sights’ and ‘Hanging By A Thread’, two generous slices of folk-rock for the third millennium, around which the ghosts of Tir Na nÓg meet Tindersticks. Indeed, this subtle mix of the acoustic past and the electronic future was prominent throughout the set. ‘No Reflection’ had a more robust feel to it, with the electric guitar weaving its magic behind breathy vocals. For ‘Wasted’ they upped the tempo considerably without ever losing control, and showcased Liam Colfer’s particularly deft basswork.

True believers might have liked to hear them drop the studious precision once in a while in order to stretch themselves a little. But that’s for another day.

In the meantime, if Salthouse don’t make a serious dent in the public’s affections it won’t be for any lack of talent or discipline.