The Dundalk, Ireland natives and current Dublin residents norabelle know their way around a modern folk tune that stirs the soul, and this sophomore album treats us to 10 authentic and acoustic tracks.
The lullaby-esque “Black Ribbon” gets the listen off to a cozy start, where Ken Clarke and Shane O’Hanrahan’s pretty voices harmonize alongside the mesmerizing guitar. “She’s Not Here” then spotlights Stephen Ludlow’s crisp drums and Stefano Rossi’s deep bass with cautiousness, before the soft and bare “How Long Does It Take?”, which addresses grief with a haunting and powerful spirit.
Moving into the middle, the poetic and expressive “Laundry List” benefits from O’Hanrahan’s emotive keys that populate the tragic storytelling, while “End Of July” focuses on the touching vocal harmonies via a minimalist quality where Conal Duffy’s low whistle makes a cameo.
The back half includes the higher range from Clarke across the moody and crisp “I Am Not A Talker”, as well as the timeless folk song craft of the gripping “Imagine The Water”. “Nothing But Love” might be the best tune present, where the forthright singing, gentle keys and calm drumming explores aging.
The final two tracks, “Warm Blood” and “I Need To Put You Away”, follow a similar path to the rest of the bunch. The former recruits hushed melodies and thoughtful introspection, and the latter welcomes David Murphy’s pedal steel guitar for the hazy, country tinted exit.
The quartet take influence from names like Sun Kil Moon, Bonnie Price Billy and Sufjan Stevens. Parallels to Red House Painters, Bill Callahan and Lambchop won’t be hard to spot. The songs are raw, emotional and have the capacity to take you on a cathartic journey if you’re willing, and I feel quite confident is saying this is some of today’s best indie-folk.
