Along with Elusive Recordings, Out On A Limb Records are doing a fine job of flying the flag for independent Irish music. Windings is a solo project for Giveamanakick and Tooth member Steve and this self-titled debut is the result of four years' work in between his band projects. Essentially, the record can be split into two styles: folk and brittle lo-fi grunge. Of the former category, 'To Follow...', 'Cathedrals' and 'You There' impress with their no-frills Nick Drake-style approach whilst 'God Knows' is the pick of the harder-edged bunch. Vocally, Steve is more than adept in intimate mode but he struggles to provide the aggression; barely making himself heard over his louder guitar work which, incidentally, is of good quality throughout. The best track is the instrumental 'Postal' which surrounds dexterous finger-picking with industrial-strength walls of noise. In terms of genre-mixing, Windings is probably the closest Ireland will get to the female equivalent of Gemma Hayes.