The Barr Brothers: Sleeping Operator

The evenings close in and The Barr Brothers come to town with autumnal moods and a warm fire at the heart of their intriguing music. This Montreal-based four-piece is a North American project, with the brothers Barr – Andrew (drums) and Brad (guitar) – moving from Boston to Quebec, where they joined up with harpist Sarah Page and multi-instrumentalist Andres Vial. This is their second album and it sparkles with adventure, from bluesy African rhythms to Nashville steel, haunting lyrics and gorgeous, inviting tunes. The 13 tracks are well-balanced, the dark tone offset by playfulness, but the highlights are striking: the charged blues of Half Crazy; the sprightly Even the Darkness Has Arms; the soulful drama of Love Ain't Enough. The Barr Brothers play in Dublin, Bangor and Sligo this weekend. barrbrothers.com