Tristan Mackay

Soon after Tristan Mackay released his impressive debut Out Along The Wire in 2012, the singer found himself needing to earn some cash. Despite positive reviews, Mackay had to return to busking and came close to quitting. But before it came too close to making that decision, Mackay was offered support slots with the likes of Beth Hart, Nerina Pallot and Rumer.

The rejuvenation and brush with career collapse has done Mackay some good though, as he's returned even sharper. Keeping the 'wire' theme in the title means there's some continuity, not just to his folk blues sound but in terms of feel. The singer calls this album emotionally raw and that is best exemplified on the wonderful I'll Be Yours Tonight. Its pleading tone is heartbreaking, while If I Told You gives a nod to I Don't Want To Talk About It, just with a bluesy twist (Mackay says the song owes more to Fleetwood Mac's Need Your Love So Bad.

Mackay was inspired in his teens by hearing the Eric Clapton Unplugged album, and here the sound is stripped right back; the acoustic guitar dominates and melodies are given space to swirl around you. A couple of the songs originate from earlier in Mackay's career, such as The Wine & Me, an early version of which appeared in the TV show Skins. The Neil Young (the unplugged version!) sounding This Old Heart is also included and was written for the singer's first EP several years ago.

Although 'accomplished' is such a formal word to describe music, Wire & Wood fits that description well. It is the sound of a singer regaining some confidence after a knock back. All careers need a jolt, Mackay's perhaps came a bit sooner than he hoped. All the signs here are that he can move on and upwards though.