This one almost slipped through on me, folks! I sure am glad I found it. The new release from Irish-born Richard Murray, “Borealis,” is some of the finest alt-country folk acoustic rock I’ve heard this year.

Murray stands out as a lyricist, with amazingly poetic prose. The songs on “Borealis” range from dance-able old-timey influenced rags to ballads to stratocaster fueled blues rock, and every one tells a story that’s more than fun to listen to. “Ghost In The Machine ” and “On Carey Street” are good examples of the kind of dichotomy in the styles, but some how they seem to fit on the same record (perhaps that’s due to his mention of Tennessee, I could be biased).

As you get on into this record you get the point of the title, as it’s almost a journey around the western musical world. Island sounds and desert dry guitars and rainy mandolins with each tune you can feel a regional style as if Murray has traveled the country  writing his songs as he moves from town to town.

Rag and Bone is one of my favorites on the album, I that intro really does it and the mountain dulcimer solo is awesome!

Continuing his journey through Americana, Heartland Rock, Alternative Country and Folk-Rock sounds, on “Borealis” Richard Murray not only confirms his predestination as an exceptional music artist, but he goes way above. Few, and I mean a very few, if not just a handful of artists, major label or indie, in his genre, can hold a candle to Richard Murray’s performances and musical creations.

I’d say I have to agree this is one awesome record.