Sfumato – not just a painting technique but also the pseudonym of Daithí Ó hÉignigh; a drummer by default, but also an impressive composer and singer.

Sfumato’s latest release is a punchy, three song EP, ‘Let Me Leave You’ , which lures the listener into a false sense of security with the leading title track. The tumbling song intertwines  Ó hÉignigh’s smokey vocals with a spiraling string arrangement; it’s deliverance is delicate and soothing.

Things immediately change with  Fly to Me;  a jaunty remix by AKA JK which really packs a punch with a fairy-tale like female vocal and an even-tempered electro arrangement. It’s quite surprising to follow the initial, swaying title track with a song that builds impact and tempo gradually into a bursting synthisiser climax; an archetypal but impressive electronic number.

Third and final track The Past is a much more relaxed electro offering, remixed by Publicist. There is something of the ’80s about it which is put forward by the hazy vocals of Ó hÉignigh and one-beat tempo of the track; it’s not a pulse raiser by any means but it is a good way to phase out the short EP. 

‘Let Me Leave You’ is Sfumato’s fourth EP in around 12 months, and another one is planned to follow. It conjures up a sense of intrigue about what will come from an album by the talented and eclectic Sfumato.