Irish brothers Richie and Jamie Martin have done plenty of living, loving and losing in the four years since the release of their debut, Rhythm Of Dawn – as their new album attests.

Shrugging off most of the Coronas-flavoured indie-pop sheen of their first record in favour of an unexpectedly raw and honest approach, there’s a hard-won wisdom at the heart of Tides. Cry Monster Cry have combined folk elements with sensitive modern touches, to craft an album that places a careful and considered sense of movement at its centre – much like the motion of the tide in its title.

Indeed, from the gentle synths first introduced on ambient opener ‘Réalt Na Mara’, to the strings swelling like the ocean on ‘When We Friends’, growth and decline are a constant theme throughout Tides. ‘High’, meanwhile, is a highlight – giving Mick Flannery’s trademark angst a run for its money, with the added influence of the latterday Lumineers.

While the tidal energies are reasonably understated throughout – with no major risks taken – it’s clear that Cry Monster Cry have crafted a deeply considered record that flows gracefully. With themes of love and loss encased in a manner that still manages to emanate a warm light through the darkness, Tides is perfect winter listening.

https://open.spotify.com/album/2k3rntXsnDSaH4WNfQRlnI