Nicole Maguire - Wishing Well review: easygoing, melodious but a bit safe

With the patronage of Nanci Griffith and Damien Dempsey and the production nous of the experienced Mitchell Froom under her belt, Nicole Maguire’s CV is already shaping up nicely.

The Corkwoman's second album probably won't act as a gateway to mainstream success, but the easygoing nature of songs like The Good Kind, Set in Stone and the melodious Hummingbird are pretty affairs – as is the bittersweet bumble of Fools Fall in Love and the twangy, banjo-led Americana of Maker's Creed.

Maguire’s voice, too, is more than a little reminiscent of Alison Krauss. The problem? All too often, the even tone and tempo renders her songs as bland.

Maguire is undoubtedly a talent, but taking a few more risks would have given this collection the rough texture that it needs.

[ nicolemaguire.ie ]