Home is a fairly loose, intangible notion these days. Home used to be where the heart was, home used to be wherever I laid my hat, but through time the romantic nostalgic sense of home changes and these clichés don’t count for anything. Yet this change of heart can also inspire, as Scottish folk band Ardentjohn demonstrate.Ardentjohn are a band that is still obviously flirting with the notion, which is understandable, given their history. Originally from the Isle of Bute, singer Keiron Mason and bassist Al Shields have known each other since childhood and both subsequently relocated to Edinburgh where they formed the band. It is easy to see why Ardentjohn’s inspiration comes from their reminiscence and longing for their original homeland. On The Wire features earnest folk tinged songs about travelling and homesickness, with lead single ‘Home’ being an obvious example.The six-piece’s debut never really pushes them out of their comfort zone, however. They craft wonderfully lush songs with rich instrumentation. Mason’s vocals are distinctive and yearning and his intent is evident. On The Wire features several strong tracks such as ‘Where All Paths Lead’- a song not dissimilar to a less grandiose version of fellow Edinburgh band Broken Records- which mixes perfect melodies with assured lyrics. This is the formula for the entire album. Every track is simply ‘pretty’ and ‘nice’ and although I find it hard to fault ‘On The Wire’, I feel it could have been so much more. Several tracks move me, but the predictability of the surrounding tracks leaves me frustrated. The upbeat song ‘One Step Behind’ is one that breaks ‘On The Wire’s’ formulaic approach and it pays dividends in return, showing an ambition that leaves me wanting more.Ardentjohn are clearly an extremely talented band, one who in time will leave their comfort zone and become something genuinely great rather than just good. Unlike the idea of home, that is something I am sure about.