Henrietta Game

Black Ship Self-released**

If trendy abbreviations are your thing, then you’ll be happy to know that alt-folk is the new nu-rave. Henrietta Game don’t necessarily plough the same furrow as Mumford & Sons and Noah and the Whale, however. The Dublin quartet’s sound is more timid, hinged on whispered vocals, softly-plucked acoustic guitar and tenderly-bowed cello.

Tracks such as Sleep Thenand Rain-drenched Stringsleave an almost classical residue in their wake, but the problem is that these short songs are almost too nice for their own good. The hesitant beginnings of 28 Hours and Berlin gradually blossom into life, yet could undoubtedly benefit from fuller instrumentation and richer production to make them snap and fizzle. It's the enjoyable bluster of Last Thing that exposes the reality – this Black Shipis more of a clement cruiser than a boisterous battler. See henriettagame.com

Download tracks: Last Thing, Berlin