The Life Of Ryan

Ryan Vail is the Derry-based author of last year's excellent 'These Words' EP. The tunes were lovely and minimal and emotionally true. A few listeners were making fond comparisons to James Blake - possibly due to the artfully spare vocals, the wash of electronica and the value of surprise in the songs. Ryan has many admirers now and a rising interest with DJs, record labels and media.

The guy is on a very credible steer - his collaboration with Smak (Steve McCready) is another sublime idea. 'In The Beginning' is the future sound of the north west: gleaming, elegantly paced and a tonic for the heart. Ryan won't be an unknown quantity much longer.