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Back in the early 90s, Setanta Records was a kind of finishing school for Irish indie. Neil Hannon was the swot of distinction, The Frank And Walters were carousing loons and Into Paradise broke a few hearts. Meantime, there was a precocious lot called The Catchers, who copped a Melody Maker single of the week with 'Cotton Dress' and became reasonably huge in France.

Dale Grundle was the singer and he's still got that swooning style. Raised in the north-west, he alludes his parish on a track called 'Macosquin, Coleraine'. It's a folksy sketch of small-town life, with the petty repressions and watchful eyes. The lyrics are ace:

"This wreath of brambles
banked by catechisms and kerbstones,
we've got herons stalking the burns
but the devil's cast out of our homes."

Setting Fire To Sleepy Towns is Dale's second EP this year. Each is limited to 500 copies and the artwork is lovely. The title track gathers doom like some old chanson, while Dale plots his escape. He's splendidly adrift on the tune, withonlythestarstoguide us, bobbing along like vintage Brian Eno while Kershaven celebrates a spectacular love, far away.

Just as Sufjan Stevens has been moved to celebrate the quirks and character of the United States, so Dale Grundle is devising his own charts, full of wonder, dread and reverie. Can't wait to see where he takes us next.

The Sleeping Years, 'Setting Fire To Sleepy Towns' (White)
Reviewed by Stuart Bailie