Hans the Reluctant Wolf Juggler Smiling Politely Records****

More usually to be found lurking around the outskirts of Ireland's art festivals, where they perform live soundtracks to classic silent films, 3epkano haven't been the most productive of studio ensembles. We presume this is just down to life and work getting in the way, but sometimes it's actually better that way – clearer, cleaner perspectives, and so on. Whatever the sevenpiece engage in, though, is always delivered with fastidious attention to detail, and Hans the Reluctant Wolfis no different. What really marks this record out is the startling nature and force of musicianship. It crashes like a series of heavy waves in Rim Shakand Not Now Steve; it cajoles and caresses in EP Ross, Fireworksand Hax On/Hax Off; and it lands a bliss-kiss in your brain on closing track Sunrise for Sophie. Sigur Róscrea, anyone? See 3epkanomusic.com

Download tracks: Rim Shak, Fireworks, Hax On/Hax Off, Sunrise for Sophie