It’s highly unusual for us to acquire and review an album after seeing the act perform live. But after Catherine Feeny’s great show in Manchester at the weekend we simply had to acquire her new album. Listening to it I’m convinced that she’s a noteworthy new talent.

I’ve never been a great fan of out-and-out country and western music although there are a number of highly emotive, classic songs that I could listen to endlessly. But I am a great fan of what is termed alternative-country, based on traditional country but with injections of other genres such as rock, blues and folk. Feeny has a tight grasp of the genre and an understated way of delivering it. The opening track, ‘Touch Back Down’ is an excellent and memorable example. It opens slowly with subtle background instrumentation, building vocal and a very contemplative ambience. The choruses are heart-stopping with a melody strong enough to open the listener-involvement door. It’s a cracking, epic folk song and a highlight of this album. ‘Mr Blue’ opens the door even further but this time with a song of strong pop sensibilities and altogether lighter vibe. It’s not surprising then that this song is set to conquer the singles chart. Then it’s back to a more serious vibe with gently wandering ‘I Still Don’t Believe You’ where Feeny gives the most expressive vocal that quivers with emotion and pleads in desperation, while violins add poignancy to another album highlight. ‘Always Tonight’ adopts a rocky path to deliver its forlorn message about busted relationships, before glacially-paced piano notes introduce the very moving ‘The Shape You’re In.’ This is yet another epic highlight with a stronger country vibe in both instrumentation (with a banjo featuring strongly) and vocal style. ‘Hush Now’ is a lovely, lilting modern lullaby complete with roving string accompaniment, and whispered vocal. A mandolin welcomes in a very different style of protest song in ‘Unsteady Ground’ before the Dylan-esque ‘Hurricane Glass makes an exuberant, whirlwind entrance. Then a simple guitar chord rhythm creates the dark and threatening ambience of ‘No Reply’ - yet another standout track. Finally, the haunting, melodic ‘Forever’ ends the album on a deeply moving and reflective note.

This is Feeny’s second album which I suspect represents a major progression. She delivers on both live and studio fronts with a beguiling mix of maturity and humility. This is an excellent album from a singer/songwriter with the potential to make huge waves in her chosen generic marketplace. Strongly recommended…

4/5