Acclaimed Scottish band Constant Follower, led by singer-songwriter Stephen McAll, return with their poignant new single, 'Almost Time To Go'. Known for their introspective, ethereal soundscapes, on their new single Constant Follower offers listeners a meditative exploration of letting go and the passage of time. The single is the last to be taken from their forthcoming album, The Smile You Send Out Returns To You, an exploration of recovery, connection, and the redemptive power of kindness.

'Almost Time To Go' was conceived during a period of solitude at a remote cottage belonging to McAll's cousin Julie. Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, McAll shares:

“One evening, as the sun was setting, I started playing this simple arpeggio on my guitar, and it just felt... ancient… like it had always been. The stillness of that place, the sense of being away from everything, made me reflect on the moments when we hold on, even when everything around us is telling us to let go. The cottage had an old clock that was a few minutes fast—it felt like time was constantly slipping away, urging us to move forward. When Andy Aquarius and I were discussing collaborating again, I knew his harp would bring that sense of urgency and calm to the track. It was almost like the song was waiting for him to complete it.”

Born and raised in Glasgow and now working out of his studio in Stirling, McAll’s tenacity has shone through in his musical output. Just before his 17th birthday, McAll was walking home from a party when his life was changed forever. A brutal attack left him with serious head injuries and resulting life-long disabilities. Two decades on, and his journey has brought him back to music – as Constant Follower, he’s creating a repository of song, using his craft to connect to the world around him. 

His debut album, Neither Is, Nor Ever Was (Shimmy Disc, 2021), was critically acclaimed and shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award. Following this, his 2023 release Even Days Dissolve, also SAY nominated, was a remarkable collaboration with primitive guitarist Scott William Urquhart. Earlier this year, a double A-side single marked a turning point, paving the way for his upcoming album, The Smile You Send Out Returns To You.

The Smile You Send Out Returns To You is an album that promises to stop listeners in their tracks. With shades of Low’s emotional heft and the sonic curiosity of Mark Hollis, it’s a deeply personal record that reflects on McAll’s life experiences, including the lasting impact of his head injury, and his journey through parenthood.

The album’s creation began in a remote cabin near the Scottish town of Callander during the pandemic, funded by Creative Scotland. "The way that I write is very, very solitary," McAll explains. "It’s like you’re being guided." From there, the songs took shape in his Stirling studio, with close collaborators contributing to the intricate soundscapes. The final touches were made in Austin, Texas, with producer Dan Duszynski, known for his work with Loma and Brian Eno.

As McAll prepares to release The Smile You Send Out Returns To You, he reflects on the long journey that brought him here. "In those wilderness years, I was so depressed. Just lost. It was only really when I started writing songs that I felt like I had purpose," he shares. "Calling myself a musician is a stretch, but I’m proud to call myself a songwriter."

‘Patient Has Own Supply' is out now on all major streaming platforms, offering a glimpse into the world of The Smile You Send Out Returns To You, set for release on February 28th, 2025 via Last Night From Glasgow.