Kris Douglas

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THE WHISKY RIVER BAND – like an unexpected shot of the good stuff, these guys warm you up and you’re still feeling the burn long after the shot glass is banged back down on the bar…..

What sets the Whiskys’ apart from others is their blending of influences and styles, the end result making a fresh folk rock which resonates strongly with their audience. Influences include John Martyn, the John B

utler Trio and Pearl Jam, and singer and guitarist Kris Douglas presents an Eddie Vedderesque vocal that makes people stand up and take notice. The Inverness-based five piece are among the current crop of new bands emerging in and around the city – the eagle-eyed may spot two members also playing in other outfits, fiddler Iain Duncan on guitar in Buzz, and sought-after drummer Andy Davidson with Iain McLaughlin and the Outsiders. But the Whiskys’ offer something different – their tight sound, which also incorporates the skills of guitarist Fraser McLean and Chris Ronaldson on bass, tips a hat to the past but has its sights firmly set on the future – and sounds so right for now.

Tunes such as ‘Open Your Eyes’, ‘No Regrets’ and ‘Take You There’ are already floor-fillers which will soon be available to a wider audience as the Whiskys’ take their talents to the studio with Robbie Dunsmore producing a new EP due out early next year.

They’ve not been together a year yet, but have notched up regular appearances at Ceol Mor and Hootenanny’s, and have supported The Foxes and Philidelphia Grand Jury. A recent gig at Mucky Mulligans in Perth has seen their fan base start to expand, with demands for a repeat performance oft requested on their Facebook page, and they look set to make some more new friends as they prepare to head North to Thurso on December 4, where they’ll support The Boosts at the Newmarket Bar…..and later in the month they’ll also play at Mad Hatters as part of Netsounds Unsigned’s end of year night on December 28.