Patrick Dexter’s Solace – recorded entirely live during the pandemic – has an uncanny ability to evoke a sense of hope on the horizon. A mixture of his own compositions, and traditional Irish and Scottish ballads, all played on the cello, it’s a raw and intimate offering filled to the brim with the soothing sounds of nature.

Gorgeous opener ‘Féile’ was written for Dexter’s niece right after her birth, and captures the dichotomy of despair and joy. Elsewhere, his takes on ‘Raglan Road’, ‘The Parting Glass’, and blind harpist Turlough O’Carolan’s ‘Brigid’ are equally compelling. The improvised ‘Nisha’, meanwhile, is as an ode to the musician’s pet dog (who shares his viral fame!). Overall, Solace is a poignant and charming debut that tugs very effectively at the heartstrings.

8/10