Root to the Fruit Strange Vibe/1969 Records ***

So, you had Colm “Q” Quearney pegged as a morose singer- songwriter? Think again. The Dubliner’s third album kicks off with a tune that’s more early Elvis Costello than any maudlin “poor heart” routine – no surprise, considering his past life as journeyman guitarist with bands such as Lir. Quearney’s partnership with 1969 Records, a label with a tradition for housing quality underrated indie-pop acts, seems like a perfect fit. These are strapping tunes, infused with melody, harmony and an inherent sense of songcraft, with nods to The Beatles, Motown (

As Feelings Go By

), Fleetwood Mac and even The Travelling Wilburys (

Love Saves the Day

). There’s a brief dip in quality around the midsection, but otherwise, this is quality stuff. See myspace.com/colm quearney

Download tracks:Love Saves the Day, Root to the Fruit