Somebody’s Child - When Youth Fades Away

The well-worn path between confessional songwriter and indie stalwart is littered with good intentions, but Somebody's Child have managed to find their own comfortable corner on 'When Youth Fades Away' - even if they're not quite ready to redraw the map.

Frontman Cian Godfrey's voice carries these eleven tracks with a distinctly American wanderlust, despite his Irish roots showing through at every turn. The decision to bring in Peter Katis (the production wizard behind The National and Interpol's finest moments) pays dividends, particularly on 'Time Of My Life' - the kind of track that feels destined to soundtrack countless meaningful glances into middle distance.

It's in the stripped-back moments where the record truly finds its feet. 'Last Night I Held Your Hand' peels away the studio gloss to reveal something altogether more human, while 'Porcelain (Losing All My Patience)' introduces welcome shadows to this otherwise sun-dappled collection. The title-track reaches for profound statements about the passing of time - and while it might not quite grasp the philosophical heights it aims for, there's something charming in the attempt.

'When Youth Fades Away' is endearingly sincere, a record that wraps its arms around the well-trodden path of indie authenticity and gives it a warm Dublin squeeze. While it might not reshape your worldview, it suggests Somebody's Child are just getting started on what could be a rather interesting journey.