The debut full-length album from Scotland's Constant Follower is the sort of release lots of us have been waiting for for some time. Following on from the group's earlier single releases, and video premieres in the last year, Neither is, nor ever was is every bit as special as we'd assume it would end up being. Out as of today on the Shimmy-Disc label, and via Bandcamp for Bandcamp Friday, the Kramer-produced offering charms and beguiles in equal measure.
While the first two singles open the record, things on Neither is, nor ever was settle into their easy groove on the haunting "Set Aside Some Time". This one, equal parts Richard Thompson and Bert Jansch, rides a simple hook with a modest effectiveness that's really something. That number, along with the spry "Weave of the World" find Stephen McAll and crew blending elements of folk and minimalism together to redefine both forms for a new era. "What's Left to Say" and "Altona" are just as good, with the delicate and nimble hooks anchoring material made all the richer by Kramer's sure hand as a producer.
If some of this recalls early Damon & Naomi recordings produced by the Bongwater member, that's another way of saying how good this all is. There's a deliberate pace here that signals a sure hand on the boards, as well as a precision in approach. Fans of John Martyn, for example, will be able to hear things here that come from a similar space. And even if you dive in without hearing all those influences, Neither is, nor ever was succeeds as one of this season's best records on its own wonderfully simple terms.
Neither is, nor ever was is out as of today on the Shimmy-Disc label.
More details via ConstantFollower.com.
[Photo: Jannica Honey]