The Henry Girls

December Moon Self-released***

There must be something in the water that allows Donegal to produce family bands whose harmonies are a joy. There's little of Clannad in The Henry Girls, from Malin in the Inishowen Peninsula, though they've honed their sisterly harmonies over four albums to an equally impressive level. The latest offering from Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin is smartly produced, mixing their country leanings such as Stop Saying Foreverand Sing My Sister Down, or the snappy cover, Ol' Cook Pot.Elvis Costello's Watching the Detectivesis not such a judicious choice with its choppy rhythm meeting La Pigalle cabaret and The Andrew Sisters. The McLaughlins' songwriting is a mixed bag, with the shiny optimism of Couldn't Ask for Morebalanced against the laboured Sweet Dreams. See thehenry girls.com

Download tracks: Sing My Sister Down, Stop Saying Forever