ONCE described as a one man Coldplay , singer-songwriter Tom Baxter returned to Cambridge to play The Graduate on Sunday supporting his forthcoming second album, Skybound. Despite critical acclaim for his debut album, Feather And Stone, Baxter remains c

ONCE described as a "one man Coldplay", singer-songwriter Tom Baxter returned to Cambridge to play The Graduate on Sunday supporting his forthcoming second album, Skybound.

Despite critical acclaim for his debut album, Feather And Stone, Baxter remains commercially a much unknown prospect, but word clearly seems to be spreading as a well-sized Cambridge audience enjoyed his sensitive, melodic collection of material. Baxter's set, a full 90-minutes of acoustic-led tunes, could have easily dragged but his inventive backing band held my attention throughout.

Double-bassist Tom Pi (previously seen in funk/jazz cult heroes, Big Strides) always adds something extra to any band I've seen him in, and with the added musical treats of a cello, violin, acoustic guitar, drums and piano, Baxter's songs have never sounded better.

New single, Better, was instantly striking due to his radio-friendly nature and the dramatic, building Don't Let Go is a stark reminder as to why Baxter once struck a major label deal with Sony Records.

Ending with the quite incredible My Declaration - a song it felt as if a majority of the audience (I admit, including me) had been waiting for, there's every chance Baxter could find himself back in the commercial spectrum soon.

RICHARD PAUL