The eagerly anticipated fourth album from one of Irelands established musical giants the Frames has unreservedly been worth the wait. The Frames may never have been catapulted to the heights of economic prosperity that some lesser Irish acts have enjoyed but most of these acts will only ever achieve a fraction of what the Frames have accomplished in their careers.

The fourth album simply entitled "For The Birds" is an interesting and unexpected musical u-turn for the band. The album enlisted the production skills of Steve Albini who produced works for legends such as The Pixies and Nirvana. Albinis inclusion for me was the unexpected curve ball. I expected an album in line with songs like "Revelate" and "The stars are underground". So when I finally got to listen to their new works I was pleasantly and cautiously surprised.

The album opens with the beautifully instrumental "In the deep shade" and follows on with "Lay me down" a melodiously crafted folk song. Songs like "Fighting on the stairs" are up-tempo whilst keeping the albums underlying folk current.

The album is an acoustic Monet masterpiece in artistic terms. The band has shaken off the aggression of past works to unveil a delightful and content side of the Frames. This however doesn't mean that they have abandoned their characteristic loud guitar and vocal combination. Songs like the brilliant and personal favourite "Early bird" give the album a great sense of balance and equilibrium.