'Early Hours' continued Eleanor McEvoy's more stripped-down approach following 2002's exquisite 'Yola'. Now, just in time for the festive season, an ideal single.

There's a hint of Van Morrison balladry in 'Make Mine A Small One', which Eleanor explains was written with brother Kieran when they were both missing different people in their lives one Christmas, and "what a lousy time of year it was to be parted from a loved one."

This is a lovely song, that will go down well with the mulled wine, the crackling fire and some good conversation this Christmas.

****

Review by David Randall

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly