It does seem as if Daithí Ó Drónaí has been around for yonks. Between naive dalliances on reality TV shows and a relentless schedule of live shows up and down the country, Ó Drónaí has slowly but surely found his way around the houses to his current sound very much in plain sight. Such a developmental arc is a good thing, though, as it has resulted in a humdinger of an album. The Ó Drónaí of a couple of years ago didn't possess the skill set or bravado to let the pop flag fly as brazenly as is does on In Flight. It's one radio-friendly, dancefloor-teasing nugget after another, an album of superbly sculpted tracks each primed to catch the ear. There's a rake of fine singers onboard to provide the vocal hooks throughout, but it's Ó Drónaí and producer Ian Ring's rave of sound, a storm of synths, loops and beats, which really makes this a winner. daithi.ie
Download: Chameleon Life, Ribcage, Have to Go