Hearing the evolution of Constant Follower has been a pleasure from the start. They've been regulars in the blog and playlists since I first stumbled across Neither Is, Or Never Was, a singular and beautifully debut album and that rare thing, a genuinely great start to finish listen with more great singles than seems fair for one LP. The fact they've just repeated the feat on this sophomore LP is remarkable.
There's a been a genuine evolution too. The band has expanded with a host of well chosen guests sitting in this time around bringing extra guitar, vocals and even harp to the studio, resulting in a more cushioned, slightly less folk-centric sound. But fear not everything is precision placed and consummately crafted, there's no unnecessary clutter here.
The folk roots are still very much in evidence, but this time they're nudged a bit further back of stage by the amplification of the band's somewhat subdued, yet warm and fuzzy atmospherics that worked so well first time around. There's even some well judged flirtation with melancholic dream pop at times, which adds to the depth rather than dilutes the intimacy and introspectiveness and are the perfect bed for the icing on the cake, McCall's intimate, softly delivered vocals. His gentle Scottish tones exude conviviality and cordiality, naturally drawing you closer to catch every word of this dreamy folk fusion gem.
Playlist Companion
Find Constant Follower in both the Slow Folk and Ambient Pop Playlists.
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