Irene Rae
Album: Hidden Secret
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5
Website: http://www.irenerae.com

I must admit, I was a bit surprised to open an envelope to discover a new EP from Irene Rae, not least because it's been some four years since her last release and to be fair there was more a sense that she'd drifted away, rather than create the sort of soulful longing evoked by the continued absence of, say, The Sunday's Harriet Wheeler.

That may seem a bit harsh, though it's not meant with malice, but it is a truth that there are somethings you miss more than others and there are somethings that you hadn't realised you'd miss until you get something new from an artist. Now the key to the latter is whether that's followed by a thought along the lines of, "Has it really been that long?" "Hidden Secret" is the EP equivalent of bumping into an old friend on the high street and during the course of the conversation being told that their nipper is about to start primary school.

Similarly like bumping into that old friend, listening to the opening track, "Star", immediately lets you know that you are going to pick up the conversation, rather that mumble through an embarrassed silence, take a nod and move on almost pretending that you'd not really reacquainted yourself.

Part of that is because Irene Rae has a habit of accentuating the positive, delivering her songs with a positive, spirit lifting flourish. That's not to say there aren't some darker themes in her self-penned songs, more that she's decided to hit them head on and try to re-emerge stronger and wiser rather than bitter and twisted.

The five songs on "Hidden Secret" are well penned with an excellent narrative. There is a sense of drama in the way Irene Rae writes and her songs sound more complete for it to the point that I feel almost compelled to suggest, it's time to reacquaint yourself with Irene Rae and if you weren't into her four years ago, well here's a good place to start.

Neil King