Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová

The Profile

Irish–Czech duo formed by Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Markéta Irglová. They starred in John Carney’s film Once (2007) and won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Original Song with “Falling Slowly.” They released the albums The Swell Season (2006) and Strict Joy (2009).

Duo also known as The Swell Season; members: Glen Hansard (Irish singer-songwriter, The Frames) and Markéta Irglová (Czech singer-songwriter); featured in the film Once (2007) directed by John Carney; won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly.”

One review praises the duo’s collaboration The Swell Season as an autumnal, melancholic folk record. It highlights the inclusion of “Falling Slowly,” “Lies,” and “When Your Mind’s Made Up,” and notes Hansard’s Cat Stevens–like warmth and Irglová’s haunting, icy tone. Guitars, piano, accordion, and strings color the intimate arrangements. Not a grand ‘masterpiece,’ but an honest, sincere listen.