Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

The latest release from the veteran Prestwick-based singer/songwriter Scott Nicol kicks off in upbeat fashion with the typically positive "Brilliance" in what is a second outing with his UK backing band The Limitless Sky. The addition of strings on the moody love song "Demure" and the stirring and poignant song of reflection "Factories" adds new colour to Nicol's palette whilst the likes of the pounding "Electric City" and the memorable "Luminous" - complete with infectious bass line from Ramsay Stewart - maintain the sound developed on previous albums. Whilst the mix is occasionally unbalanced and the band struggle in places (their valiant effort in "Heroes" for example), there is an appealing unpolished rawness to proceedings - not least in the Dylanesque "Do So Well" which showcases Nicol's trademark gritty vocals, poetic imagery and a sheer passion for what he does. Elsewhere, the band help Nicol pull out all the stops in the likes of "Excitement" and the funk-tinged "Till It Burns" which reflect the prolific songsmith's ability to turn out a song that sticks in the brain on first listen whilst innocuously referencing matters of faith in a way that will appeal to believer and non-believer alike. The punchy "Velodrome" closes a rough and ready but nonetheless vibrant release in style.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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