quitter

“Good things come to you” Quitter

*I only write about music that I have purchased, this record was bought on Bandcamp

An often unsung hero of the Stirling music scene Kenny Bates has had a significant influence within the folds of a rather healthy community within the gateway to the Highlands.

His lo-fi, alternative carefree approach has resulted in four releases that are available on Bandcamp (and a new album soon) to pick from I had purchased the 2021 release “Good Things Come to You” intrigued by the 4 track approach, namely taped to a Tascam 424 which is the very multitracker on which I cut my home recording skills.

Kenny sent through a cracking wee parcel with the cassette inside, a little laminate of the Tascam, a handwritten note (nice touch) and the tape itself painted glitter yellow, sparkling under the late spring sun as I loaded it into my old DCC player.

Slightly nervous, hoping the DDC wouldn’t eat the tape like a pup with a slipper the heads thwumped onto the tape and a little nostalgic pang erupted in my head as my speakers gently hissed.

The record contributors Mark Lough, Kyle Wood, Andrew Pankhurst and Luc Grindle provide the bass, loops and guitars alongside the composer Kenny, each feature on one of the five tracks. Written and recorded by Quitter over various 4 tracks then posted to the collaborators to add their parts.

Tremolo drenched opener Full Marks begins proceedings with a nice groove, when the beat stops to allow some space in the track, little snippets of studio talk can be heard, I always like this approach, it gives it a live vibrancy. The dreamy Stone has that warm fuzzy analogue sound I miss from my early days of recording, even the DI’d guitar will remind many musicians of their early approaches to recording, the intimacy of this unhurried track is its strength.

Never-ending Naval- gazing has that carefree approach to writing and reminds me of Kenny Andersons early musings. Bridging the final act is Evidence Board, part of the joy of recording music is letting ideas and sounds just flow, in essence capturing a moment that is unlikely to be repeated live. Its looping guitar is surrounded by experimental samples and towards the end simple beats as the pace picks up. Finally, Spoil The Island, arrives with other worldly alien like beeps before the guitars and live drums kick in to cap a thoroughly enjoyable 25 minutes or so.

I often think that supporting the local music scene is far more rewarding than people realise, you just don’t get music parcels like this, indeed Bandcamp still has many artists that fly under their ‘Bandcamp daily’ headline. Other examples include the brilliant Firestations (we’ll get to them later…)

Check out Quitters music on Bandcamp and grab this great wee record before it sells out at the time of writing there are just 6 remaining.

Words: Pabs

The Death Collective. Fund raiser gig.

It was a slightly fresh April night to be heading out to Stirling, however there was a promising gig organised by the Death Collective, a small collective of musicians supporting each other as a platform for releasing quirky left field music.

After a brisk five minute walk from the station we arrived at the Mediterranea restaurant.

At the back of the diner, nestled downstairs, is a beautiful wee space for small acts to play. Through the windows at the back of the stage the world flies past, speeding trains on the Dunblane line, police cars rushing past on the Stirling A9, lights flashing blue; this was a distinct contrast to the relaxed vibe that greeted the gathering crowd.

Kenny Bates was on the door collecting donations that would go towards the Death Collectives own PA, which would allow them to start organizing more gigs for touring acts and musicians a little closer to home. Kenny was as chilled out as ever but he appears to be one of the driving forces behind the collective, through Leftfield and later Quitter he has toured Europe and played at gatherings similar to this.

Thurmpy was up first, playing alongside Peter Russell on the clarinet, he played a number of enjoyable songs interlaced with some humorous exchanges with some of his fellow collective attendees.

Next up three musicians took their seats under the colourful spotlights and subtle lighting. They tuned up, checked the mics and plugged in the snyths. There was a quick soundcheck as the growing audience breezily chatted, greeted each other and ordered drinks. Constant Follower, now content with their sound, started to play, the audience fell silent, except for the non intrusive, distant clatter of dinners and the till ringing (it reminded me of feel of First Watch, a track from Diamond Mine by King Creosote and Jon Hopkins). They played beautiful measured music in the ilk of Bon Iver’s early work and the slowcore of Low. Their subtle tones layered over some slick guitar and soft baritone vocals was mesmerizing, the audience was captivated.

3rd up Scott William Urquhart reminded me of RM Hubbert, he played a number of excellent compositions. Hamish McBurney followed, passionately sharing some deeply personal lyrics, it was a strong performance.

Sadly, the need to catch the last train home put paid to any hopes of seeing Quitter, so reluctantly we headed back out into the cold Stirling night, a world away from the atmosphere we had just left behind.

It was a fantastic event, many genres of music, acts I’ve discovered and a brilliant vibe. I wish the Death Collective every success, more nights like these will be great for Stirling’s scene.

Pabs