Joy of Being Bluestack ***

Brian McCartan is The Casanova Wave, a one-man Waterford band with a gift for alluring, gleeful electronic pop. But what's interesting to note on Joy of Being is the manner in which McCartan makes room in the mix for a bevy of guests who lend the album additional nuances and angles. Wayne Fahy and Sorcha Brennan from Sleep Thieves give The Light a joyful, bumping swing that turns it into the kind of earworm that is always welcomed when it comes your way. On Play, for the Night Is Coming, the vocals of Katie Kim and Aisling Browne add sugar and spike to McCartan's groove. But he's just as good and impressive when he flies solo, with How the Beat Was Tempered, a strong, vibrant opening statement, and especially The Casanova Wave, a fine lesson in clear, sharp b(r)and identity. thecasanova wave.com

Download tracks:The Light, The Casanova Wave