8/10

Over the last few years, Dublin's Cian Godfrey aka Somebody's Child has been heralded as one of the future sounds of the indie-rock arena. With fresh and dynamic approach to his direction that regularly blends more atmospheric auras into a driven guitar-focused sound, he has created a solid buzz around himself with a flurry of engaging EP and single releases ever since he first emerged. And just as things really start to pick up for the fast-rising artist, he now delivers his eagerly-awaited self-titled debut album, a record that looks to cement his vibrant legacy to date.

While Somebody's Child has always been a project that brought a sense of flair to an indie-rock guise, his new full-length feels like a far stronger and more confident offering than anything he has produced before. While plenty of his influences remain in that heady heyday of early 00s guitar-pop, there is still a progressive ideal running the length of this new collection, something that gives him a more distinctive edge and crucially sets him apart from much of the other outfits working the peripheries of the scene right now.

Equal parts anthemic and heartfelt, 'Somebody's Child' is a warm and electrifying breath of fresh air from start to finish. With tracks like 'Hold Me Like You Wanna' flying the flag for his more tender ambitions, he has packed this new LP with stellar hooks throughout, making it an incredible easy and captivating listen.