The assault of Irish bands on the UK music scene has been relentless over the past year or so, and Damien Rice seems to be the next artist destined to follow the likes of Gemma Hayes to success.

Hotly tipped for at least the past 18 months, and fresh from a sold-out jaunt in the States, his latest E.P. carries on nicely where his last album, the platinum selling 'O', left off. His brand of semi-acoustic folk music reminds of Tom McRae if he remembered to take his Prozac. Although the genre is currently flooded, Rice has two things in his favour: Genuine songwriting talent and Lisa Hannigan on backing vocals - one of the best singers I have heard in ages.

Although this isn't as strong as previous songs, like the fantastic 'Volcano', or his debut single 'The Blower's Daughter', it is a clear indication of where Rice is heading. And with the US beckoning (he had a song used on Dawson's Creek dontcha know), who knows what he can achieve?