The Colours of Darkness Temporary Secretary Records***

Sometimes a change is as good as a rest. Having taken several years off to acquire a design degree, John Cowhie's musical perspective seems refreshed, if his third album is anything to go by. The Colours of Darknesspropels him beyond the early noughties Dublin singer-songwriter scene he was once associated with, focusing mostly on layering and groove (Jape's Richie Egan supplies nifty basslines throughout) to generate a beautifully hazy, 1980s-tinged ambience. Judging by tracks such as Behind This Sun, Diamondsand Mystery of Days,bands such as The Blue Nile and Talk Talk play an important role in Goodtime's record collection. In other places, his singular folk roots push through on Come With Me (Take the Night). Although perhaps a little too homogenous in parts, this is nonetheless a quietly jubilant comeback. See goodtime.ie

Download tracks: Mystery of Days, Diamonds