trapping the sun;

There’s been a lot of local blog love for The Boy Who Trapped The Sun recently, which probably means that a bunch of us got the same press release. Still, when the music is this good, who’s complaining?

The Boy, or Colin MacLeod to his friends, spends his time between London, Glasgow and his home on the Isle of Lewis. His first album is due this summer, but before that first EP Home will be out on Chess Club before the end of the month.

It’s a gorgeous listen, reminiscent in parts of the americana and indie The Boy listens to himself but the EP’s title track has a warm, bouncy feel all of its own. He also cites “surfing and home and traveling and stupid stories you hear in the pub” as influences, along with the usual John Martyn, Bob Dylan, Elliott Smith and Wilco – plus “blues stuff” like Robert Johnson and Leadbelly.

“Seems that the Scottish scene is quietly buzzing at the moment, at least in Glasgow where I spend most of my time,” says the Boy. “DotJR, The Moth and the Mirror, Strike the Colours, Kassidy, Brother Louis Collective, Ross Clark, Frightened Rabbit etc… all amazing bands. I don’t know what it is about Scottish bands continually outsmarting and outplaying other bands around the country, in my opinion – it makes it quite intimidating really.”

As for career highlights so far? “There’s been a few, but I think having a chat with Bruce Springsteen after I just played the biggest stage I ever played was up there,” he says. I knew there was something about this kid that I liked.

You can catch The Boy Who Trapped The Sun on Saturday night at Tut’s supporting former Last Year’s Rave Lisa Mitchell, and playing his first full-band headline show at the Captain’s Rest on 16th March. I’m aiming to get to both, so feel free to treat me to an icy glass of water from the bar!

DOWNLOAD: The Boy Who Trapped The Sun – Lying To Get On Your Good Side
BUY: Home EP from Rough Trade.