A reclusive post-punk musician who recently performed live for the first time in 25 years? It might sound like Stano has a lot of catching up to do. In reality, the Dubliner has a confident grasp on contemporary music, his mostly guitar-based compositions predominantly laced with an industrial heaviness (Marley Stipe), an experimental, minimalist tick (Unspoken) or the vaguely trip-hop vibe of the strident, propulsive Move Around Buildings. When Stano opens his mouth, his voice combines the croaky murmur of Mark Lanegan with the louche sneer of Lou Reed, the latter best displayed on Fragile. Unknown Distance has a tendency to become a little bogged down in self-indulgence, but the disparity in styles – from the poppy lilt of the opening track to the scratchy improvised closer – makes the album generally engaging. stanoireland.com

Download: Got to Take a Stranger Down, Afghan Pop