The Breath are Ríoghnach Connolly and Stuart McCallum, and Land Of My Other is their third studio album, in which Connolly’s vocals and McCallum’s guitar merge beautifully on ten classy new songs. These tunes are filled with insights, emotions and optimism relevant to the way we live now.

‘Don’t Rush It’ opens with hypnotic guitar strums, leading into Connolly’s wide-ranging vocal, with the lyric emphasising gratitude for what we’ve got. ‘Little One’ has some tasty finger-clicking and finger-picking to add to a beguiling song with treated vocals, rhythmic handclaps and a stirring vocal presence.

Tentative guitar chords gently nudge ‘Burning Way’ all the way into our hearts, whereas – in contrast – a big doomy piano chord sets the mood for ‘Head Down’. ‘Letters From Long Kesh’ will evoke memories of The Troubles to mingle with the heart-stopping sentiments Connolly’s vocals wring from the lyrics.

The Breath emerged from Manchester’s frantic live scene, to bring us their measured mix of acoustic and electronic instrumental touches. Together, Connolly and McCallum create something truly fresh and memorable.

7.5/10