A prolific man, Glen Hansard. Fresh from completing The Cost with his band, the Frames, the frontman releases a collaborative album with Czech singer and pianist Marketa Irglova (who also featured on The Cost).

Recorded over 6 day in December in Prague, a number of the songs are included in the soundtrack for a Czech film Beauty In Trouble, and Once - an Irish film made by ex-Frames bass player John Carney. Look closely and you'll spot Glen playing the part of a busker.

It's a sparse and emotive collection - the Irish tour to support the release will feature an ensemble including guitar, piano, cello and fiddle. It's an album of delicates shades, passion, and atmospheric deliveries. If song writing of the Damien Rice style is your ‘bag', then The Swell Season is the perfect accompaniment.

***½

Review by Pete Whalley

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