Since the release of his second studio album Night Sky Blue in 2018, we've been anxiously awaiting the return of Niall Thomas. Well, the Dublin-based musician is finally back with False Tide, which finds him working alongside engineer/co-producer Karl Odlum and drummer Mick Cronin. The record displays a more complex side to the singer, whose tender, heartwarming songs have won him a loyal audience.

His charm hasn't evaporated – this much is clear from the first track and single, 'Best Of Intentions', a playful acoustic number, topped off with Thomas' characteristically entrancing vocals.

Equally impressive is 'Not That Way', which touches on social injustice. The guitar and drums are beautifully interwoven, before the track melts into the R.E.M.-style 'Witching Hour', which boasts Thomas' trademark intricate guitar work.

The gentle, finger-picked 'Mercury', detailing the experience of meeting the right person at the wrong time, is another gem, while the instrumental 'Sunrise' achieves a similar emotional resonance. Rounding out proceedings, the album closes with a wonderful three-song suite of the stirring 'Fine Lines', the soulful 'The Black Church' and the haunting 'No Problem'.

7/10