The singer songwriter genre has seen something of an explosion over the last 12 months or so. So, the question is, what if anything can Tiverton, Devon born Tristan Mackay bring to the party that might put clear blue water between him and the singer songwriter tsunami?

Well, firstly, he's got some impressive backing. Originally ‘discovered' on myspace by Grammy award winning producer Martin Levan (John Martyn, Andrew Lloyd Webber), the team of outstanding musicians on All Along The Wire include Pete Van Hooke (Mike & The Mechanics, Van Morrison) on drums, John Garden (Scissor Sisters) on piano, Paul Carrack, and Carol Kenyon.

Then there's his light and breathy mournful vocals that bring images of Mick Hucknall, David Gray and Paul Simon to mind. He also writes a lovely tune.

But the ace in the pack that makes Out Along The Wire stand apart from the rest is the clean, Clapton style blues guitar flurries that permeate the album.

The result is a blues based singer songwriter album that is immaculately played and produced. And something that's just a little different.

****

Review by Pete Whalley