Balthazar B & The Beatitudes might be a mouthful of a name, but the more literary amongst you will recognise it as the title of a novel by JP Donleavy. However, it is a very appropriate name given the blend of slightly melancholy yet entirely literate folk music they deliver.

Debut EP, Like Shrapnel is a self release available via the band’s website either as a free digital download or as a beautifully designed CD with free bonus track. Influences range from the classic (Dylan, Van Morrison) to the contemporary (Conor Oberst, M. Ward and even Stephen Malkmus), but the final blend of pastoral, lo-fi, storytelling folk is entirely their own.  Take a listen to Madagascar – an evocative tale of lost love and self discovery.

Head over to the website here to get your copy.

Download Balthazar B & The Beatitudes – Madagascar mp3 (from Like Shrapnel EP)