James Mackenzie and the Aquascene

Remember in the 90′s when Travis could do no wrong?

Their strengths were big-hearted melodic rock tunes that you could sing at the top of your lungs at a gig. Then Coldplay took the idea and put it into stadiums. Bands like The Feeling and Keane pushed Travis into the shadows, diluting the joy of the Scots original. With 90′s nostalgia getting bigger, maybe it’s time to get back to simple singalongs.

And Inverness singer/songwriter James is just the man to do it. It’s not just about the driving beat or the soaring chorus but the choice turn of phrase that nestles in your ear like Lifeline’s “That put water in your eyes”.

It’s well crafted music that’s just not around at the moment. Time for Scotland to lead the way again.

Rick Fulton – Soundcheck (Daily Record)