Album Review: Old Hannah, Borealis

This breezy debut is a solid declaration of Sligo band Old Hannah’s identity – not quite folk and not quite indie, these nine tracks thrive in the spaces in between. Formed in 2013 by cousins Lucie Crichlow and Luke Mercer, and their friends Anthony Mannion and Leo Morris, Old Hannah’s closeness is evident in their tight-knit harmonies.

On Borealis, all four members show off their well-practised vocal and instrumental skills. Crichlow’s voice soars on ‘Follow’, whilst Mannion’s pleasant tone is brilliantly utilised on ambient number ‘The Way Light Falls Upon Water’. Sticking to simple, undulating melodies, Borealis puts Old Hannah’s storytelling abilities front and centre. Each tune has its own atmosphere, bringing tales of family and home vividly to life. ‘Floating’, for instance, ends in literal birdsong, whilst the title tune finds the narrator scrambling to reconnect with the one she loves. ‘Seabird’, another stand-out, features a hypnotising whirl of guitar – and indeed the whole album ebbs and flows like waves on the shore.

Though Borealis wisely retains elements of Old Hannah’s traditional roots, the record nonetheless marks an exciting new chapter.

8/10 

Out April 19.