Iain McLaughlin & The Outsiders Shine at The Botanic House
Words and pictures by Alan Cruickshank
Iain McLaughlin……best rock voice in the Highlands?
This was my first time going to The Botanic House Inverness and what a great reason for said first visit, Iain McLaughlin and the Outsiders.
First support up was local young band Reliever Seen them perform a couple of times now and they keep on growing and getting better each time I see them, that of course must be true if someone of the quality of Iain has invited them to play his show. “Reliever” continue to show more belief in themselves and their confidence is growing, I have to pay some special note to their drummer who has been on point from the first time I saw them, he is one to watch.
Next up was local favourite The Chosen Lonely whom I have not heard play for a long time, this became obvious as the last time I saw The Chosen Lonely he was only a one piece and are now a four piece…when did that happen? Anyway, the addition of band members has given The Chosen Lonely a really nice rounded sound to the songs, alt-pop mixed with some indie is probably how I’d describe their sound and they performed beautifully, I hope Steven keeps things a four piece as the extra members do his song writing more justice.
The headline act “Iain McLaughlin & the outsiders” noted within the first few songs that he may have found a new home here at “Botanics House” since the demise of Ironworks, I would agree, Iain deserves as do more local bands a venue of this size to show their talents.
I personally have not heard nearly enough from Iain and Co. on the local circuit for far too long so was very excited to see them perform again, in fact I think the last time I saw them play was indeed at Ironworks, way too long ago for such a talent to go unheard. I sadly missed an earlier performance back in March this year at “Upstairs” so was very determined to make the Botanic House show. I have regularly asked the question “Is Iain’s the best rock voice in the Highlands”? And going by this performance I still say Yes!
In fact, I think his voice is becoming better with age and he showed that voice off brilliantly with new and well-loved songs from his superb repertoire built up over the years, his band were tight and all on stage looked like the were having a blast, that of course came through in their performance, they were in a very happy place. I really should not leave it so long next time, quality like this does not exactly grow on trees so I shall make more effort to support and enjoy performances like this in the future.
