Michael MacLennan
Single: Wolves
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11
Website: http://michaelmaclennan.co.uk/

If found listening to 'Wolves' a little disconcerting. As a rule the debut albums I get to listen to are works in progress that show promise but are a little rough around the edges. Michael Maclennan skipped this and has delivered a fully formed, independently released album chock-a-block of piano led, radio friendly, power pop hits (yes, 'hits', individual tracks that people will buy in large quantities).

The real beauty of Wolves is that Maclennan has been able to get the ratio of the rocky tracks ('Keep A Light', 'Fader'), the ballads ('Old Tree', 'Avalanche') and the big anthems ('Fall On', 'Wolves') without it ever feeling formulaic. There is the odd moment that does not stand up to repeated listening; the shimmery guitar on 'The Island', for example, but it may well be that 'How Come' is simply too jazzy for my ears.

It will not take much for Maclennan to be big; a decent support slot on national tour, a couple appearances at the bigger festivals this summer should be enough. I'd recommend getting to see him at a small venue before it is too late.

John 'The Jacket' Hawes