News of the World ****

Cool lounge duo Carosel launched their debut album Kaleidoscope at Whelan’s in Dublin on Thursday. Sultry vocalist Michelle Phelan, dressed in red, was on sparkling form as surrounded by fairylights she captivated the packed upstairs venue.

Phelan’s voice and Pete McGrane’s excellent Spanish guitar in a live setting gave the songs a much more organic atmosphere than the album offers. That said, this unashamedly upbeat and polished record with catchy feel good anthems, Easy as it flows and Home, will be the sound of the summer for many.

Martin Burns