END OF NEIL-HEADSPINNIN’

dereksmusicblog ♦ April 3, 2014 ♦ Leave a comment

END OF NEIL-HEADSPINNIN’

Over the last couple of years, I’ve been documenting the rise and rise of End Of Neil, one of Scotland’s best up and coming singer songwriters. End Of Neil’s unique brand of acoustic folk has seen Neil Stewart continue to win friends and influence people. So, much so, that End Of Neil has supported The Vaselines, Ken Stringfellow and Rachel Sermanni. During this period, End Of Neil has proved to be one of the most prolific artists I’ve come across.

During 2013, End Of Neil has released a quartet of E.Ps. The first of this trio was Less, released in April 2013. Then six months later, My Games was released in October 2013. My Games was a coming of age for End Of Neil. It was his best release, with songs that were cinematic, evocative and emotive. My Games was another glimpse into the world of End Of Neil. During the six songs, End Of Neil, the troubled troubadour, introduced us to a compelling cast of characters. Their lives unfolded during the six songs. Like mini kitchen sink dramas full of betrayal, heartache, love lost and love found, My Games left his ever growing fan-base wanting to hear more from End Of Neil. So End Of Neil returned with an early Christmas present, his fourth E.P. of 2013, Gas Station Coffee.

Gas Station Coffee was released on on 1st December 2013. It featured B-sides, demos and what End Of Neil refers to as “special tracks.” It’s another insight to the world of End Of Neil and kept his fans occupied until his next E.P. They didn’t have long to wait. Just a month, when his Headspinnin’ E.P. was released. This reinforced that End Of Neil was the hardest working musician in Scottish music. He’s packed a lot into the previous six years since he founded End Of Neil in 2008. He’s packed a lot into these six years. You’ll realise that when I tell you about his career so far. 

When I first wrote about End Of Neil, I did what I always do when I come across a new artist, I asked him to tell me a bit about himself. I wanted to know not just about End Of Neil’s music, but Neil Stewart, and his life. What I was trying to do, was build a picture, so that I can tell his story. Often, the information I’m given, varies. It various in quality, quantity and substance. End Of Neil’s was different. It was a refreshing first.

Unlike many new musicians I come across, End Of Neil is modest, unassuming and ego free musicians. That’s really refreshing. It seems, he prefers to let his music do the talking.  End Of Neil is a hugely talented singer-songwriter. He’s also one of the most modest men in music. I discovered that when I first came across him. When I first heard End Of Neil’s music, I got in touch with Neil Stewart, the man behind End Of Neil, and asked him to tell me about his career so far. Unlike other artists, Neil provided a short, ego-free CV. Straight away, I liked Neil Stewart. Here, was a really talented, singer-songwriter, who despite his obvious talent, remained humble and modest. He helps other bands, is supportive of his local music scene and is “part a strong community of songwriters.” Neil Stewart, I realised is an anomaly in modern music, an ego-free musician. 

Based in Stirling, Scotland, End Of Neil is the alter-ego of Neil Stewart. End Of Neil was founded in 2008, and since then, has been honing their unique sound. Best described as a combination of acoustic and folk, it’s won over audiences throughout Scotland, and more recently, much further afield.

Most of End Of Neil’s music is written by Neil Stewart. He’s just the latest in a new generation of Scottish singer-songwriters. Neil’s been influenced by John Martin, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, Jeff Buckley and Neil Young. It’s not just folk music that influences End Of Neil. Not at all. Neil says anyone “with a guitar and sense of feeling” influences him. Interestingly, this includes Nirvana. These influences are reflected in End Of Neil’s music, which has been honed through constantly touring.

After founding End Of Neil, Neil played mostly Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh. His idea was, to refine his music through playing live. This is the old-fashioned way. Through playing live, an artist refines his sound and songs. Having played mostly in Glasgow, Stirling and Edinburgh, End Of Neil started playing further afield and opening for some big names.

No longer was End Of Neil playing much further afield. Audiences at concerts and festivals were won over by End Of Neil. So too, were The Vaselines, Ken Stringfellow and Rachel Sermanni, who End Of Neil supported. This summer, End Of Neil will be supporting Simon Townsend, the brother of Who guitarist, Pete Townsend. Whilst constantly touring, End Of Neil is one of the most prolific artists I’ve come across.

It was back in September 2012, that End Of Neil’s recording career began. Escape At The Zoo and 62 were the debut tracks from an undoubtably talented artist. Best described as joyous and celebrating being young and free, Escape At The Zoo features intelligent lyrics, thought provoking lyrics, about whether human instinct can be repressed by work and social pressures and norms. 62 is an atmospheric song, one that paints pictures in your mind, while Neil’s voice is needy and emotive. Just a month after End Of Neil’s debut single, came his first E.P.

September was released by End Of Neil in October 2012. This was End Of Neil’s debut E.P. It certainly didn’t disappoint. Both Escape At The Zoo and 62 featured on September. The other three tracks were of a similar quality. End Of Neil brought Forget The Afternoon, Save My Soul and Knights In Armour to life. Neil’s lyrics are a cut above what we’ve come to expect from modern singer-songwriters. Just like the seventies singer-songwriters who’ve influenced End Of Neil, Neil delivers his songs with passion and emotion. He’s like a master storyteller, his songs painting pictures, asking question, probing and provoking your emotions. For a debut E.P. September was the perfect way to begin End Of Neil’s recording career. Just seven months later, came the followup, My Games.

Released in April 2013, My Games was End Of Neil’s sophomore E.P. It featured six new tracks from End Of Neil. It built on September, which had been the starting point for his recording career. The songs were even better, tighter and slicker. Now six months later, Less was End Of Neil’s third E.P.

Less was released in October 2013 and featured another six new songs.  Again, we were introduced to a diverse cast of characters. Many of them are complicated. Some of them are troubled. All of the characters are intriguing. Just like on My Game, Less saw End Of Neil introduce us to a diverse cast of characters. Many of them are complicated. Some of them are troubled, some heartbroken and some frustrated or angry. All of them are intriguing. In many ways, that makes it a very Scottish collection of songs. After all, we Scots are complicated, troubled and intriguing. We certainly have stories to tell and always have. It’s in our D.N.A. So has 

End Of Neil. He’s a storyteller, poet and songwriter. His lyrics paint pictures and his characters come to life. That’s been the case on each of his E.P.s and is the case on the wonderfully named Gas Station Coffee. It featured six songs which were written and produced by End Of Neil.

For fans of End Of Neil, Christmas has come early in the shape of Gas Station Coffee. The six songs were variously heartfelt, hook-laden, emotive, joyous,poignant and melancholy. Tinged with anger, disappointment, heartbreak, hope, humour and pathos. Then there’s the stomping Heavy World and the needy, heartfelt and hopeful paean, Years In The Wilderness. Quite simply, this was  a delicious, aromatic blend of Americana, country, folk and rock. One cup isn’t enough. No. Far from it. It was a truly irresistible drink, best tasted often. Indeed, from Dry Land right through to Deception, Gas Station Coffee oozes quality. Gas Station Coffee whetted your appetite for End Of Neil’s first E.P of 2014, Headspinnin.’

This was a case of End Of Neil picking up where he left off on Headspinnin.’ It  was released as 2014 dawned. Featuring three tracks and marked a welcome return of End Of Neil the storyteller. 

From the opening bars of Running Through The Louvre, you’re hooked. Jangling guitars build up the drama. They set the scene for Neil’s joyous vocal. Memories coming flooding back. Neil remembers a time and place. He was happy and carefree. That shines through on this melodic and joyful song where Neil paints pictures with his lyrics.

Just drums and guitars propel the arrangement to I Ran The Hudson along. Just like the previous track, the introduction is length. It builds up your sense of expectation. However, it’s worth the wait. Neil’s vocal is full of frustration, anger and confusion. His heart’s been broken and he doesn’t understand why. When his vocal drops out guitars and drums take charge. Then when Neil’s vocal returns, it’s apparent that writing the lyrics are a cathartic cleansing, ridding the character in the song of the hurt, anger and confusion they’re experiencing. Quite simply, it’s one of End Of Neil’s finest songs.

Closing Headspinnin’ is Midnight (You Guessed Right). It’s another relationship song. This is something Neil does so well. Listening to the lyrics, it’s as if he’s been there and experienced the hurt, heartache and pain he’s singing about. With just acoustic guitar and percussion for company this is the perfect accompaniment. Then later, harmonies sweep in. They provide the finishing touch, as if trying to reassure Neil that one day, the pain and hurt will go away.

That End Of Neil can consistently release quality music is the result of six years hard work. End Of Neil has dedicated himself to his craft. He’s now a hugely talented singer-songwriter. Long-gone are the rough edges. They’ve been smoothed away by six years of performing live. This has been time well spent. Inspired by, and following in the tradition of seventies singer-songwriters, End Of Neil brings a taste of the Laurel Canyon sound to Scotland. He’s a troubled troubadour with stories to tell. That’s the case on Headspinnin.’

The three songs on Headspinnin’ are examples what End Of Neil does so well. They’re relationship songs. End Of Neil sounds as if he’s lived, loved and survived the songs. The hurt, heartache and joy seems real, very real. That’s because End Of Neil’s lyrics paint pictures. You can imagine the scenes unfolding before your eyes. The songs have a cinematic quality. That’s what I’d describe the three songs on Headspinnin’ as compelling and enthralling. You’re introduced to a cast of characters. They’re complicated. Some of them are troubled. All of them are intriguing, interesting and compelling. These are just the latest characters End Of Neil has introduced us to. Or so I thought.

By the time I finished reviewing Headspinnin,’ End Of Neil announced he was releasing A Ship’s Tale on 1st April 2014. A Ship’s Tale is the soundtrack to the Maid Of The Loch documentary. That’s the latest addition to End Of Neil’s back-catalogue. Then there’s End Of Neil’s debut album, which is just about ready for release. For End Of Neil, this is the busiest and most important period in his career. End Of Neil is more than ready to take the next step.

End Of Neil’s musical apprenticeship is over. Indeed, it was over last year. He’s more than ready to record his debut album. Hopefully, it’ll be released before long. To quote Sam Cooke, “It’s been a long time coming.” I’m sure it’ll be well worth the wait, considering the quality of music End Of Neil has released so far.

Headspinnin’ is a another tantalising taste of what End Of Neil’s is capable of. Over the last year or so, he’s come of age and is ready to make the next step. That means releasing his debut album. That’ll allow a wider audience to hear End Of Neil’s fusion of folk, acoustic, Americana, country and rock. This is music that’s cerebral, intelligent, evocative, expressive, poetic and thoughtful. End Of Neil sings of hurt and heartbreak, love and loss, life and the meaning of it. Poignancy sits side-by-side with pathos. There’s a sense of melancholia, wistfulness and vulnerability in his voice. Other times irony, humour and guilt shine through. Crucial to the success of Headspinnin’ is Neil’s lived-in, world-weary, soulful vocal. Sometimes, Neil’s vocal is a cathartic unburdening. This is hugely powerful and emotive. It’s as if we’re seeing a glimpse of End Of Neil’s soul, as he introduces us to a cast of new characters on Heaspinnin’ which until recently, was the latest addition to End Of Neil’s back-catalogue.

END OF NEIL-GAS STATION COFFEE