Taking its title from a poem by W.B. Yeats, Ephemera – the second album by Little Green Cars – is all about change. Lyrically, and in some respects musically, it explores the idea of endings (usually sad ones) and new beginnings (occasionally optimistic). Thus, the Dublin quintet’s second collection feels like an unashamedly wistful, sometimes heartsick and ultimately compelling offering.

It was written on the road, and although it’s dark in places, it is never mawkish. Fiercely radio friendly, in the best sense, it may well be the vehicle that sends them rocketing to the stars. But there is also intellectual heft in the songwriting.

Emotionally and sonically, Ephemera is both gentle and jagged. Musically, it expands on the rich harmonies and folk-meets-Americana influences of debut Absolute Zero, successfully adding goth (‘Clare De Lune’) and post punk (‘The Party’) textures to the mix. Though the rest of the band are no slouches in the vocal department, Faye O’Rourke is their USP throughout: in particular, her performance on live favourite ‘Easier Day’, a stellar song driven by Johnny Marr-esque guitars and a Florence Welch-like flair for the dramatic, is stunning: it is one of the best you’ll hear from anyone this year. Final track ‘The Factory’ ends this emotionally-charged record in rousing form, with the telling
refrain of “I’m alive again.” Stay tuned. Ephemera confirms that Little Green Cars are accellarating...

Key Track: Easier Day

Out March 11 on Glassnote

8/10