Independent Irish outfit The Frames have been around a bit - The Cost is their eighth studio album - without really threatening the consciousness.

In fact, rarely has their haunting style crossed the Irish Sea.

But this time, they have produced a record which deserves to elicit greater recognition.

Emotion is what drives this band and this has the feel of a very personal set of songs, designed to be heard in solitude. The result is a private, but uplifting experience.

Rock classics and crushing melodies are not The Frames' style. Standout track Song For Someone floats through the air, while Falling Slowly and Sad Songs are, as their title suggests, on the sober side.

It's an impressive piece of work and, with luck, should herald brighter things ahead.