Sorren’s date at Institute

Jan 23 2009 by Jenny Wood, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A YOUNG musician quietly gathering popularity and acclaim is set to burst onto the stage in Birnam next month, just days ahead of his debut single.

Tobermory-based Sorren Maclean and his band have been met with glowing reviews on the touring and festival circuits and will appear at the Birnam Institute next month, four days ahead of the release of their long-awaited single.

The 19-year-old musician and his two bandmates, one a childhood friend from school band days and the other his dad, have gained an impressive reputation working with the likes of King Creosote, Michael Marra, Colin MacIntyre and the late Martyn Bennett.

Maclean finds it difficult to pinpoint any direct musical influences on his charming acoustic pop-rock style. “Growing up on an island I think I spent more time playing and less time listening to other bands,” he explained.

“The band has more or less developed in isolation and the songs, especially in recent times, are often written on buses, boats and trains, travelling to and from Mull.”

Sorren Maclean and his band, drummer John Barlow and double-bassist Gordon Maclean, will appear at the Institute on February 19.