Moments into opener Gregarious Bird, Norabelle's intentions for their debut album become clear. At the heart of Wren is an intimacy, a slow yet deliberate pace which gives every instrument a clear resonance and purpose in the mix before, like a wind-up jewellery box, it breathes to life. The languid momentum to most of its tracks, though, requires a patience that some music fans may not possess.

The subtle elegance of the Dundalk three-piece is apparent on every track. Ken Clarke's vocals fit comfortably with the rich sounds crafted by his band-mates. The appearance of a cello, piano, a string section, and more, implies some considered thought went into these songs and they check numerous musical references along the way. Unfurl has the melancholic piano and vocal vibrato of Rufus Wainwright while Sleeping, arguably the best song on the album, contains the sort heartbreaking harmonies you usually expect from a Bonnie 'Prince' Billy album.

Brevity was obviously not a concern when writing this album, with five of the eight tracks coming in over the six minute mark, but listening to Wren gives the impression that an inhibiting radio-friendly process was never an objective of theirs. With this, Norabelle have made an album that is entirely representative of them and undiluted by outside input. There are moments of beautiful musicianship on this album, even if sometimes it hesitates to get to the point. But music like this was never intended for instant gratification.

Occasionally the mind has a tendency to wander when listening to Wren. However this is not necessarily a condemnation of Norabelle, more an acceptance that the placidity of the music doesn't arrest the listener's attention but seeks more to envelope you and occupy your thoughts. As the album develops, and with each successive listen, the understatement on Wren can be broken down into fluid orchestration and impressive (but never showy) musicianship but you get the impression that this serves more of a notice of things to come than their artistic masterpiece.