Aliens Out on a Limb Records***

First things first: there's just no getting around the José González comparisons. Journeyman musician and part-time rock guitarist Owensie is surely aware of that, even without the mental image conjured by Aliensof a thousand multicoloured ping- pong balls bouncing down a hill. Yet there's more to these nine songs than weepy, intricately plucked guitar strings. Ronda, a piano- accompanied instrumental, positively bursts with optimism, while Dark Place's gorgeous bossa nova vibe floats away on a summery zephyr generated by the Dubliner's weightless vocals. Elsewhere, rich bursts of string give texture to Subtle Connections, and Cruel Time's folksy flourish displays skilful musicianship. Aliensis not a perfect album, but at 38 minutes it's just the right length to induce a state of relaxation rather than comatose tedium. See myspace.com/owensie music

Download tracks: Dark Place, Cruel Time