Cian Lynch, an Irish singer/songwriter living in Christchurch, is attracted by stories and on this debut EP he spins an engaging tale or two. ‘Away From Here’ is a four-song taster of Lynch’s talents, and to me, he has a sound reminiscent of Mike Scott from The Waterboys – folk-based and melodic. I hear this on all of the tracks, but the metaphorical Creature Feature stands out with its elegiac string part and dry vocal take.

Rooted in folk and singer/songwriter confessionals, he has taken tips from other influences (such as Nick Cave and Glen Hansard) on Sunny Rollins or The Day The Doctor Died. Lynch’s sound is based around the acoustic guitar, with an occasional piano accompaniment to pick out layers of the music. Jamie Cashmore at Kearney Rhodes Studio in Akaroa recorded the EP, with a number of Christchurch musicians (including Lee Fitzpatrick, Clarissa Chai and Takahiro Kato) aiding a warm sounding recording that highlights the artist’s voice and guitar work. A short, pleasant and intelligent recording with stories that pull you further in with each listen.