7/10

After originally making his mark as the acclaimed guitarist of Choice-nominated band Come On Live Long and Dirty Dreamer in recent years, Irish artist Dotts O'Connor has spent the last few years carving out his own niche within the new music scene. Coupling a traditional Celtic appeal with this rich and explorative approach to both production and instrumentation, his tenure to date has been brimming with warm and inviting delights. And after cementing his dynamic legacy with a host of well-received offerings recently, he is back once again with his eagerly-awaited debut solo album 'Sorrow Won't Find Us', a record that shines with vibrancy throughout.

Continuing that innovative pursuit he has been on since he first emerged, 'Sorrow Won't Find Us' looks to highlight the brighter and more passionate side to his aesthetic over the years. Creating some wonderfully alluring textures that show him as a heartfelt and spiritual identity in his field, this nine-track collection makes for an incredibly fresh and enjoyable listen. Blending this spritely energy with some brilliantly emotive lyrics from start to finish, Dotts O'Connor remains a firm and confident name on the rise with this one.

It may have come after plenty of innovation and self-discovery in recent years, but 'Sorrow Won't Find Us' is clearly a strong labour of love for the artist at the helm. Breathing life and a flair for joyous compositions across every track, he is definitely a name we need to hear much more about in the months ahead as well.