Neither Is, Nor Ever Was


Neither Is, Nor Ever Was is the debut studio album by Scottish experimental folk band Constant Follower, led by Stephen McAll. It was released on 1 October 2021 by Shimmy-Disc and Joyful Noise Recordings, with a compact disc edition issued by Golden Hum Recordings. The album was shortlisted for the 2022 Scottish Album of the Year Award.

Background and recording

Writers report that Stephen McAll composed the material largely on Scotland's West Coast following a violent assault in his teens and a prolonged period of recovery.
Recording was led by McAll at his CFFC studio in Stirling, Scotland with further sessions at La Chunky in Glasgow; Mark Kramer, professionally known as Kramer, mixed and mastered at Noise Miami. Sources describe the album as co-produced by McAll and Kramer.

Release

The album was issued on 1 October 2021 by Shimmy-Disc and Joyful Noise Recordings, with a Golden Hum Recordings CD edition.

Composition

Critics align the record with Experimental Folk and Slowcore, pointing to sparse instrumentation, close-miked vocals and an emphasis on space and restraint.

Artwork

The sleeve features Seonna Hong's painting The Disappearing Act.

Critical reception

The Scotsman called the album "gentle, understated, fully formed and utterly beguiling," noting it was composed in isolation in a Hebridean cabin.
Clash (magazine) praised the project's "simple poignancy" around the campaign singles, while Under the Radar (magazine) covered the video cycle around the album's release.

Accolades

Track listing

All songs written by Stephen McAll.
  1. "I Can't Wake You"
  2. "The Merry Dancers on TV"
  3. "Set Aside Some Time"
  4. "Spirits in the Roof Tree"
  5. "Altona"
  6. "Weave of the World"
  7. "One Word Away"
  8. "Little Marble"
  9. "What's Left to Say"
  10. "WEICHA"

Personnel

Credits per label and release pages.
  • Stephen McAll - vocals; guitars; synths; keys; bass; production
  • Andrew Pankhurst - guitars; vocals
  • Kathleen Stosch - vocals; synth; bass
  • Amy Campbell - vocals; keys
  • Jim Chadwin - electric guitar
  • Kenny Bates - electric guitar
  • Mark Tranmer - piano
  • Kramer - production; mixing; mastering
  • Johnny Smillie - engineering
  • Seonna Hong - cover art
  • Ryan Hover - design

Studios

Singles

Videos