Tristan Mackay

It is evident that Devon’s Tristan Mackay has been schooled in the blues guitar of Eric Clapton since his teenager years almost as soon as this debut album gets underway. Tell tale strokes of guitar litter the opening few tracks of Out Along The Wire, including the excellent I Found You and more upbeat Holding On To You.

Mackay is a mixture of James Morrison style vocals and John Mayer style music, with a gentle vocal that matches some of his sparse arrangements superbly. Don’t Let Me In’s opening chords further betray his love of ‘Slowhand’, in a late night ballad that could be a cousin of Wonderful Tonight.

The tender Last Love and slow waltz of Million Little Things display Mackay’s accomplished playing even more but also a lyrical limitation; “you know you’re beautiful and that’s a fact but you’re more beautiful when you do that” he sings on the latter. After an impressive half dozen tracks, the album loses pace towards the end, with Never Run and Wherever You Lay Your Head just a touch too generic.

But that sense of disappointment only arises because of the impressive opening few songs, where the bar is set high. Mackay has assembled a great team of musicians which helps, even roping in the wonderful Paul Carrack for a cameo organ performance on the almost funky Lonely All By Myself.

Mackay’s worked hard at his own PR over the last few years, gaining recognition for his independent work with a track used in TV’s Skins, as well as having a track featured by Aled Jones on Good Morning Sunday. This displays both a confidence and determination, which alongside his obvious talent should serve him well.