7/10

Ever since he first emerged as the frontman for notable post-punk revivalists Fontaines DC, Grian Chatten has looked to add a more narrative-driven and poetic style to the driven sound of his formative outfit. While these last few years have certainly been extremely prolific and accomplished for the Dublin-based band, Chatten has always had a presence that could suit almost any ideal he set his sights on. So after three adored records for Fontaines, he ventures out on his own with his debut solo album 'Chaos For The Fly', a release brimming with a broad and explorative nature.

While his instantly identifiable voice remains the heart and flow behind this new collection, 'Chaos For The Fly' is a far more adventurous and diverse offering the previously shared singles led us to believe. Keeping the production stripped back to a largely sombre and ethereal aesthetic for much of this new outing, Chatten's vocals shine through with his usual dose of heartfelt wit and embrace throughout. Although it may not have the same power and intensity as his work with Fontaines DC, he still manages to break a new and fascinating mould with almost every new cut here.

Stepping away from a widely loved and admired group in search of a new sound is never an easy pursuit, but for Grian Chatten, it feels like this is something he has been looking to explore for some time now. Stretching his creative wings as far as they will go, 'Chaos For The Fly' makes for a warm and enjoyable listen, showcasing some of his most alluring songwriting to date.