The Hard Ground are nothing if not ambitious, releasing their second album in three EP-packaged instalments instead of going the traditional route.
The collected work, Triptych, spells out the difference between the Cork band and many of their peers: they operate under a cloak of musical understatement, forgoing flashiness for ambience.
Marlene Enright and Pat Carey’s shared vocals work brilliantly throughout these cinematic cabaret-style numbers, Carey’s gruff growl juxtaposing beautifully with Enright’s slinky quiver.
The languid, nocturnal mood of Ashes, Spies and Capon gives way to the grimy rock slouch of duet Coin Toss, while the slinky, Portishead-lite pop balladry of Pucker is a highlight.
It’s a little uneven in tone throughout, but the highlights are enough to keep the listener coming back for more.
