Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas
Album: Laughter And Love
Label: Mad Molly
Tracks: 11
Website: http://www.paddynash.com

This Derry-based outfit hereby releases its third album, which proves to be another assured, bouncy, tuneful collection of original material (virtually all penned by Paddy himself) revelling in the good vibes called forth by both of the "L-shaped" nouns that make up its title. It's around five years since the charismatic Paddy first brought his infectious brand of "folk rock country punk pop blues" to clubs and pubs in both parts of Ireland, subsequently touring extensively through England's festival stages, all the while building an enthusiastic audience for his richly melodic songs.

If anything, the writing often reminds me more of Squeeze than that of quintessential fellow-Derryites The Undertones (whom they supported a couple of years ago), though there's no denying that the feelgood spirit of bands like Dexy's also looms quite large in the picture at times, as does a genial Saw Doctors-meets-pop-Americana groove. And when they launch into bar-room rock'n'roll, their music without a doubt both makes for a convivial stage presence and transfers well to disc.

Those Happy Enchiladas are a happy, together band indeed, with Paddy himself and Diane Greer companionably sharing lead vocal duties, while the solid, well-upholstered musical backdrops contain some distinguished electric guitar work from Rory Donaghy in particular. Paddy & His Happy Enchiladas appear to enjoy a healthy a cult status as "the band who'll get you thinking and dancing all at the same time" - and who could deny that, for it's just what's needed in these troubled times.

David Kidman