When you hear of a new alternative country/folk band hailing from Canada, you'd be forgiven for knowing exactly what to expect.

The new four-piece, Birds of Wales do not disappoint. The album released on Invisible Hands Music, is made up of eight tracks of very soft, sombre melodies that if not exactly heart wrenching, are atmospheric and every so often delve into the deeper side of things.

However just when you think it's all over, the album suddenly springs into life with the last track 'A Few More Days' recorded live in their home town of Toronto. Some pretty decent guitar coupled with much edgier vocals than heard anywhere else on the album, hints at a more indie, experimental side to the band.

After a string of summer dates in the UK including Reading Festival, the Birds of Wales have already scheduled another tour of the UK in the autumn. All this suggests that their appeal may lie in their live perfomarmce, where the band are nearing what they may become in the future. Stay tuned!(Niki Khoroushi)