You always know where you are with this Glasgow composer. Armstrong has earned his corn with soundscapes of distinction for film-makers (Baz Luhrmann) and acts (U2, Massive Attack, Madonna). A solo work in name, It's Nearly Tomorrow pulls in vocal contributions from Paul Buchanan, Brett Anderson, Katie O'Halloran and James Grant. It's a vibrant album full of nocturnal musing and moods.
The presence of Buchanan is telling – It's Nearly Tomorrow owes much to The Blue Nile's broody conjurings of starry Glasgow rooftops and deserted streets. Though recorded around the world, there's a sense of the composer and musicians bringing it all back home. Armstrong's piano work and orchestral piping is wistful and dramatic, providing the songs with robust heft, and sending the listener dreaming into the night.
