Albums: Dylan John Thomas

Having caught the attention of Gerry Cinnamon, Glasgow’s Dylan John Thomas has had the assistance of a well-established and respected act in moulding and shaping his song writing skills over the course of two acclaimed EPs. Simultaneously spending time on the road has seen him really hone his connection with his core audience, feeding live response to his songs into the production of his long-awaited eponymous debut album. After spending much of the last year on the road building towards this milestone release, his burgeoning audience is finally treated to a full set from the breakout talent.

The album is centred around songs already released on previous EPs, but there are a few key new moments added to the album’s 13 songs that mean that it is not simply re-treading a path already well walked. For the loyalists, this is a collection they will know and love already; for the newcomers, this showcases the versatility of Busker's indie pop offerings.

With the lush Now showcasing his pure heart and soul, the anthemic ska-tinted Up in the Air reveals that there is more to him than initially meets the eye. However, it is in the rousing Feel the Fire and truly beautiful What I Need that Dylan John Thomas delivers his two unforgettable classics. These two songs will remain with him throughout what is destined to be a long, diverse career.

Not everything contained within his debut album has single potential, but that is often the album’s strength. This is an artist not afraid of showing his true colours, and as debuts go, this is one that shows pure potential. Well worth a listen.