Though only twenty-four years old, vocalist and songwriter Pauline Scanlon has galvanized the Irish music scene with her stunning debut album, Red Colour Sun. Deeply immersed in the tradition, yet completely aware of the edgier developments in contemporary alternative music, Scanlon is capable of making the oldest ballads sound immediate and fresh while granting newer material a timeless resonance. As featured vocalist with the Sharon Shannon band over the past two years, Scanlon has entranced audiences the world over with her distinctly delicate intensity. The ingeniously-produced Red Colour Sun frames that intensity in a variety of settings, ranging from purely traditional to more eclectic, contemporary surroundings. Original songs, co-written by Scanlon and Lunasa guitarist Donogh Hennessey, suggest a budding compositional ability. They are joined by intense traditional material and illuminating interpretations of songs by Willie Nelson, Peggy Seeger, and Don McLean.