Redhills Self-released ***

As befitting their name, Irish string band I Draw Slow have taken their time before releasing their second album. Their debut, Downside, a winning combination of novel narrative touches and Appalachian and Irish music influences, set the bar high. Songs such as Kingdomand Goodbye Beulalandsound darker, more complex and more musically ambitious while firmly remaining in the Americana genre.

Brother and sister Dave and Louise Holden (possibly better known for their education journalism in The Irish Times), have pulled together more "dark tales of debauchery and trouble" in the Gillian Welch/David Rawlings mode, with Adrian Hart's forceful fiddle forming a fine backdrop for Louise Holden's voice, while Colin Derham's banjo does likewise on Goldmine. These are interesting songs thoughtfully performed, though the overall production lacks a certain impact. See idrawslow.com

Download tracks: Goldmine, Kingdom, Lowdown Girl Like Me