Trad, folk and vintage Hawaiian recordings may not be the most obvious of musical bedfellows, but all three genres are evident in Peter Delaney’s distinctive style. The ukulele-toting Limerickman’s second studio album initially takes time to settle, but there’s much to enjoy once his quirky approach has been established. Delaney’s tenuous rasp of a voice commands songs such as

My Rat Brain

beautifully and discloses a lovely tenderness on

The Becalming

. Musically, however, the lack of variation can prove frustrating, despite his demonstrated ability to pluck, strum and tickle his miniature weapon of choice. So the addition of cello on

A Maudlin Luna’Ula

is welcome, as is the foot-stomping and wheeze of accordion on the epic

The Guest

. Delaney’s spartan style may prove polarising, but his sincerity can’t be faulted.

Peter-delaney.com

Download:

The Guest, A Maudlin Luna’Ula