On her latest E.P., Northern Irish artist RÓIS explores the ancient Gaelic practice of keening. A ritual of songs – salutations, dirges and laments – that were traditionally performed at funerals. According to mythology they were originally sung by banshees. Handed down from generation to generation orally their recital all but died out during the 20th Century, as those who’d been taught them passed away.

RÓIS uses samples of existing recordings and her own reinterpretations to create 9 new songs and atmospheric interludes. Oh Lovely Appearance Of Death collages layered voices, fragments that sound like a flock of birds. Honking geese. Low synthesised drones and big blasts of bass back a lyric that while melancholy somehow also feels celebratory. Ambient techno treatments turn spare, sparse piano notes into infinite spirals that echo Mixmaster Morris’ remix of Coldcut’s cover of jazz standard Autumn Leaves. Other reference points are Sinead O’Connor and Unthanks.

Caoine is the E.P. at its most pop. This is the one that should be picking up the radio plays. Slo-mo and spooky, dancing to dubby, distorted beats, the vocals mix chanting with a haunting lead. Recalling Liz Fraser fronting Massive Attack’s Teardrop. From deep in the dark, summoning spirits from somewhere, and rising to an angelic howl. There’s a breakdown where bells toll, synths mimic strings and a baby cries, before the beat comes crashing, cathartically, back in.

RÓIS’ MO LÉAN can be ordered directly from Fear Manach.