The Frames are a bit of a mystery, maybe even to themselves. They can headline festivals in Ireland, but the rest of the world remains tragically indifferent to their stirring brand of passionate folk-rock. For loyal fans, however, the good news is Burn the Maps is possibly their finest album yet. It's certainly their angriest - Glen Hansard sings as if he has a permanent scowl on his face and his lyrics are often uncomfortably venomous. Whatever's been going on in his life since we last heard from him, it doesn't sound pretty. Still, the tunes are great, the playing inspired and Colm Mac Con Iomaire's violin ensures that the songs soar in all the right places. Best of all, you get the feeling that the Frames are still going from strength to strength without even a hint of pandering to the mainstream. More power to them.
