The Frames are a band who have virtually invented both a sound and a style which has influenced dozens of emerging Irish acts. From the Kittsers and Courtneys to the Hynes and Hayes, The Frames have shown the way in both a creative and tactical fashion. ‘Lay Me Down’ is a romantic and relaxed offering while ‘Tomorrow’s Too Long’ is a more low-key affair, minimal and contemplative – “Gather yourself for the ride/ Whatever you can’t carry, you should leave behind” – ‘Rise’ is more of the same, with Hansard’s whispered intimacy invariably providing solace and comfort to dozens of bedroom-broken hearts. This release also contains the ‘Plateau’ live video.