Grant Nicholas, Ani DiFranco, John Lennon & Paul McCartney... what do all these people have in common? They are all great singer/song writers and if there is any justice in this world, Tom McRae will be added to this list in the near future.

The 5 track album sampler I received shows an innovative, intelligent young man who knows exactly what he wants to do musically. The first song, 'You Cut Her Hair', is a dark piece of melodic acoustic guitar with a piano and violin section that although used sparingly, really add to the atmosphere of the piece.

The second track, 'End Of The World News (Dose Me Up)', goes into Feeder/Longpigs territory on songs like 'High' and 'Lost Myself' respectively. '2nd Law' is the next song and is a piano led piece worthy of any piano playing musician, even the great Tori Amos.

'Bloodless' goes with the acoustic feel again and the string section in the background adds real atmosphere to the piece.

The last track 'Hidden Camera Show' is almost Auteurs-esque with it's style. Tom almost sounds like Luke Haines in the song about how life feels like it is all a huge play.

On this evidence, it is obvious that Mr McRae is a very competent and talented musician with what seems to be a bright future ahead of him. Unfortunately, I think it will only be to an underground community because whether or not it has the mainstream appeal is open to opinion... maybe it is what the people have been waiting for, but then again....

Either way, nothing can be taken away from what seems to be a possible star... but will he be found by enough of the music loving public?

Sampler Track Listing :-

1. You Cut Her Hair
2. End Of The World News (Dose Me Up)
3. 2nd Law
4. Bloodless
5. Hidden Camera Show