Carroll’s unique concoction of folk, blues, punk and country has shamefully hidden beneath the public eye, despite the Dubliner having the blessing of Bob Dylan. Stone Bead & Silver, Carroll’s fifth album (and admittedly my first hearing of the gravel-voiced singer songwriter) proves this absence of limelight is undeserved; the warmth Marc, his guitar, and his extraordinary talent to build harmonies layer-upon-layer radiate is tremendous, certainly enough to keep a southerner like me powering through the remnants of an unforgiving Leeds winter. Unlike his previous albums in which he showed true musicianship by playing all the instruments, Carroll has drafted in big names to form his studio band. These include Bo Koster (My Morning Jacket), Nelson Bragg (Brian Wilson) and ex Dylan wingman Larry Campbell. Carroll pinpointed these individuals due to their understanding of the depth and variety of American music and Stone Bead & Silver excellently shows their worth.

Opening track, the dark-tinged, country ‘Muskingam River’ encapsulates the sound of yesterday’s America, contrary to ‘Nobody, No Nothin’ which boasts bluegrass elements to create a full-bodied Arabic sound. ‘Sat Neath Her Window’ provides the standout track of the album, a genial folk jaunt, before ‘Delicate Grace’ draws curtains on the theatrical album the way Carroll’s career began; just him and his guitar.

The album leaves many unanswered questions, the first of mine being how can James Blunt have been a popular singer songwriter when the unfortunate majority haven’t heard of Marc Carroll? I beg all of you to give this man a listen; he really is Ireland’s hidden treasure.

8/10

Label: One Little Indian

Words: Dom Edge