Emma Langford review: A Limerick original with talent to burn

The difference between creating music that is all too easy on the ear and music that weaves a spell as you listen to it is similar to the differences between, for example, Daniel O'Donnell and David Rawlings. Limerick singer-songwriter Emma Langford ably distinguishes authentic from generic, and it is this that makes her debut album such an enduring piece of work.

Operating in the overcrowded singer-songwriter zone hasn’t dampened her originality; across 10 tracks, Langford flits smartly between folk, pop and roots, all of which are complemented by a fine ensemble (kudos, in particular, to pianist Hannah Nic Gearailt, cello player Alec Brown and violinist Tadhg Murphy).

As well as adroit sonic texture, there is keen narrative depth, with Langford exploring issues such as self-worth and emotional despair even-handedly and insightfully.

[ emmalangfordmusic.com ]