Kilted Owl: Album Review: "The Smile You Send Returns To You" by Constant Follower

(Source: https://constantfollower.bandcamp.com/album/the-smile-you-send-out-returns-to-you)

Scotland-based Constant Follower released their latest album, “The Smile You Send Out Returns To You,” on February 28, 2025. It was released via Last Night From Glasgow.

Stephen McAll is featured on vocals, guitar, synthesizer, piano, and bass. Andrew Pankhurst plays guitar and David Guild plays bass. Gareth Perrie plays piano on the album. Kathleen Stosch and Amy Campbell provide vocals.

The album was recorded by Stephen McAll at Hum of Gold, Stirling & Dan Duszynski at Dandy Sounds in Austin. It was produced by Dan Duszynski at Dandy Sounds in Austin and Stephen McAll at Hum of Gold in Stirling. Mixing was done by Dan Duszynski at Dandy Sounds in Austin and was sequenced with the help of Kramer at Shimmy Disc. The album was mastered by Carl Saff in Chicago.

The album consists of eight songs and is just over 39 minutes long. Only one song is less than three minutes long, and the rest is longer than four minutes. The longest song on the album is seven and a half minutes long.

The mixing of the album is good, with the instrumentals balancing the vocals perfectly. The vocals did get increasingly louder with each song as the album progressed. On the first few tracks, even though the vocals and instrumentals were balanced, it was difficult to understand the lyrics. This was resolved by the last song.

The songs all sound mostly the same and are all on the slower side. That said, the songs are very calming and relaxing. Each song takes listeners on a journey through a life experience. Listeners will be able to find a song that resonates with them as the songs are about the struggles of life and can be applied to multiple life experiences. Kudos to the songwriters for being so open and transparent in sharing their struggles- this is no easy feat and it can be tempting to focus on the positives, especially in today’s music. However, albums like this allow people to be reminded that they are not alone in their struggles, which can ultimately save lives.

Overall, while the songs are slower and sound the same, this is an album that would be great to listen to while getting work done or studying. It is calming and does not require too much attention. The stories behind each of the songs and the lyrics provide the power and punch of the songs since the songs are all on the slower side. This album proves that not every album needs to be upbeat to be powerful, and the stories and meanings behind the songs can be the thing that makes the biggest impact.

Track List:

1. The Smile You Send Out Returns To You

2. Whole Be

3. Almost Time To Go

4. All Is Well

5. Happy Birthdays

6. Gentle Teaching

7. Patient Has Own Supply

8. It's Only Silence

Rating: 8/10 Smiles