Oscar winning duo Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova present another album of mellow, acoustic numbers that capitalise on their complimenting male/female vocals. Strict Joy has a certain laid back appeal and occasional moments of elusive beauty, but it's nothing you haven't heard before.

It must be a hard thing to follow up, winning an Oscar and all. But that's what Frames frontman Glen Hansard and his Czech protégée Marketa Irglova, are doing with Strict Joy, the follow up to their self titled 2006 debut, which was later expanded into the monstrously successful soundtrack to the Oscar winning 'Once', which spawned a sold out world tour. Taking its name from a 1931 book of poems by James Stephens, there's no denying Strict Joy is extremely easy on the ears.

While 'Feeling the Pull' is an exultant, melodious number that seamlessly blends piano, guitar and harmonica to become the very definition of short and sweet, other tracks take their time to demonstrate a certain understated grace. It's not until the echoing, melancholic piano enters the chorus of 'In These Arms' that it begins to lull you into a sedate state of calm. Irglova's slight, gentle voice even carries some tracks, like the semi-ambient 'I Have Loved You Wrong' which feels almost like something The Reindeer Section might have come up with. Likewise, she owns 'Fantasy Man' which evolves from an ethereal and childlike state into an ample, morose ballad with hints of Leonard Cohen.

But for every song that touches a nerve, there's one that never quite manages to take off. The Spanish guitar of 'Paper Cup' is simply underwhelming, while the rootsy 'Love That Conquers' just never seems to go anywhere. Not even a shrieking violin and rising grand finale complete with brass section can salvage 'The Rain', since it simply lacks a strong enough melody.

'Strict Joy' certainly has its moments, but they're neither ubiquitous nor earth-shattering. A solid album, but not an amazing one.