Louth band Kern have delivered a debut album of real merit with False Deceiver.

It is so difficult these days to make a traditional folk album that stands out from the crowd, and that is what Kern have unquestionably achieved in this instance.

What drives it is a combination of many factors, each combining with the other to make False Deceiver such a satisfying release.

Songs like The Hard Wind, Leaving and Haggard Floor make for a fresh listening experience, and these new compositions trump the constant rehashing of traditional standards that so often fill an album.

Confidence in new material is rising, and Kern have the writer and singer in SJ McArdle. His smoky voice seems to have the very patina of life itself ingrained within his vocal cords and this gives the recording real identity.

Add in arrangements that are firm and natural in their delivery, with the pipes and whistles of Brendan McCreanor and fiddle of Barry Kieran filling out the sound to perfection.

Sometimes albums just come together, and when they do the result is False Deceiver. A solid and impressive release that comes highly recommended.

Read our earlier album launch and check out www.kernmusic.com