The latest releases reviewed.

MACDARA   The Love Token Mulligan Records ***

Simplicity defines MacDara Ó Conaola's solo debut. Fitting hand in glove with his sister Lasairfhíona's recordings, Ó Conaola's voice traces uncomplicated lines through such traditional music stalwarts as Beidh Aonach Amárach, but he forges his own unmistakable identity with his composition (co-written with Lasairfhíona), The Mighty Dancer, and a buoyant arrangement of a Raifterí poem, Baile Uí Laoí. Co-produced with characteristic gentility by Máire Breatnach, The Love Token hints at a singer who keeps eclectic company. He strikes a dud note with a Cindy Walker cover, I Don't Care, which would surely have been a showband showstopper, but jiving rhythms and twee sentiment jar amid the unforced free-flow of the rest of Macdara's repertoire. Danny Byrt's djemba and Johnny McDonagh's bodhrán lend a languid backdrop to an otherwise fine debut. www.myspacecom/macdaramusic Siobhán Long