Little Sparks Delo Records****

Considering that Delorentos' second album was recorded after a fraught period, during which co-lead singer Ronan Yourell temporarily left the band, it's little wonder that 2009's You Can Make Soundhad less wind in its sails than its thrilling predecessor. Reparations are made with Little Sparks, which bursts with confidence and vitality. In many ways the Dubliners sound like a different band, zipping from understated ballads ( Petardu) to chiming, climactic indie ( Little Sparks) and sunny-side- up melodic pop ( Care For)with a slick self-assurance lacking in their previous material. The conundrum of whether Delorentos want to be daytime radio darlings or a respected indie band is still there, though it matters less with songs of this quality – some of which, admittedly, take time to kindle, but eventually blaze into life. delorentos.net

Download tracks: Did We Ever Really Try?, Petardu