With a crazy name, the oddest cover artwork (although it’s yet to be finalised), and minimalist sleeve notes one would be forgiven for dismissing this album or putting it on the ‘listen when drunk’ pile. But you’d be very wrong. Imagine folk music with strong pop sensibilities, an outer layer of humour with a darker inner layer, and a distinctive mix of traditional instruments - that’s FIRE HORSE.

Sergeant Buzfuz aka Joe Murphy cannot be called a great singer; he’s sort of on the fragile side of Bob Dylan. But as the opening song unravels (Scratch A Lover); with its home-made percussive sounds, acoustic guitar strum and accordion intro; his voice makes sense as it communicates some great lyrics at almost talking pace. It sounds right. Add a strong melody with a large dose of originality and you have a winning opening gambit. Obedience follows with Murphy in more aggressive voice and a song that is so distinctive and entertaining it hurts. Next up is Untitled #2, a gently meandering song with a sole acoustic guitar strum, and distant backing vocal to accompany Murphy’s increasingly attractive vocal. By this time, I’m convinced that Mr Murphy and friends have created something quite special.

And the great songs keep coming. Ghost is a very simple and moving track with a massive melody that forces one to listen intently to another set of poetic lyrics, and a mandolin that plays the song out so gracefully.

FIRE HORSE oozes sincerity and acute personal observation, while creating a sound that is wholly original and tantalising. There’s no better example of Murphy’s art than the title track, Fire Horse, and the incredible closing track See-Through. The album is made up of eleven diverse, beautiful and moving folk/pop songs, and I implore you to grab a copy when it arrives in March.

4.5/5