Songs for a very small orchestra Self released****

He has toiled at the borders of the mainstream for nigh on three decades, but household- name status still eludes Wexford's Pierce Turner. You can understand why: Turner likes to upend expectations, and with his latest album, that's what he's done – again. The record opens with the superb Yogi with a Broken Heart, which comes the help of one Philip Glass. If we excise two non-essential instrumentals (Surprise, Jaimee Young), we're left with nine songs showcasing Turner's adept creative nature; tracks such as Snow, It Really Should Be Working, Honestly You Boys, Porcelain Shadow and He's the Guy She Adores are driven by strings (courtesy of quite a small orchestra), a sense of alt.popmelody and evocative musings. Say hello to skill, talent and a survivor's sense of perseverance. pierceturner.com

Download tracks:Yogi with a Broken Heart, Snow, Porcelain Shadow