Kilkenny's R.S.A.G. Follows his Choice Prize nominated debut with an equally creative and detailed but somewhat less frantic second album.

When Jeremy Hickey released Organic Sampler, the debut album under his Rarely Seen Above Ground moniker, back in 2008, he caused quite a stir in the Irish musical landscape. A multi-instrumentalist who plays drums live on stage with a backing track and projected virtual band, he was surely unique, and earned a Choice Music Prize nomination for his trouble. On its follow up, Hickey seems more confident, comfortable and at ease with his craft.

A multi-instrumentalist Hickey may be, but his heart lies with the drums. His passion is perceptible in every tom roll, every shimmering cymbal, every ring of a cow bell and every rattle of a rim. The bass is almost as important, and brisk, funky and solid bass lines are central components in songs throughout. The intermittent saxophones and sinister harmonies of 'Make' make it a clear highlight, while the title track echoes 1950s American rock and roll, and 'Before They Make You Run' compliments it's bouncing brass arrangement with playful bow-wow backing vocals.

Despite the strategically layered instrumentation here, the mix is quite raw and sparse sounding, with Hickey's yelping vocals placed front and centre. This is perhaps a mistake; his voice is vulnerable and idiosyncratic, which makes him likeable, but sometimes lacks control and poise. Anyone who's witnessed one of Hickey's live performances will know he has a visceral energy that never quite comes across in the recordings. And so, if it occasionally feels as if something is missing, it's purely atmospheric. Despite its flaws, Be It Right Or Wrong is innovative, carefully crafted, and often captivating.