Debutant
[Welcome back to Euan's monthly Sunday Supplement column here on Song, by Toad. His writing can be found over at the Steinberg Principle, where he habitually does crazy things like confessing to liking Lionel Ritchie. Don't worry though, I know how achingly cool my readers are - there'll be none of that sort of shit here.]
I’ve written about Phil Quirie’s music a couple of times over at The Steinberg Principle but I think it’s only fair that since I have the attention of a bigger audience on Matthew’s page I draw your attention to his work. Phil is now known as the guitarist in Meursault. That in itself is a pretty great honour as almost everyone who uses this blog will surely agree. He’s also one of the best guitarists I know.
When I first saw him play with his old band Kartta I was just blown away by his playing and the sounds he created. I actually asked him to join the Kays when he originally told me he was planning on moving to Edinburgh but I didn’t really stand much chance with Meursault also asking him to join and he politely declined. Anyways, though Phil will be known to many as being in Meursault, what I think he should be best known for is his solo stuff.
His project, known as ‘Debutant’, or simply Philip Quirie to the people of Inverness, is a solo project involving Phil, his guitar and a plethora of pedals. Think Eluvium if you can. If not, bear with me. In a nutshell Phil creates wonderful atmospheric soundscapes by layering guitar line upon guitar line. This really is intelligent music. Each individual component in itself appears simple, yet the overall impact and construction of the music is technically gifted and brilliantly pieced together. There’s a real mix to his work of instrumental, atmospheric beauty and lovely little pop melodies. I’ve said it before but every time I see him live he’s getting better and better and better. I really would recommend you check him out now. I hope he can maintain Debutant as well being in Meursault, I guess time will tell. But for now please check out his music and catch him live if you can.
Debutant – Means to an End
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Well, I was wondering who this Phil fellow was, so thanks for the introduction! It’s lovely stuff too, xoxo
Eluvium? what? who?
I don’t like the way Euan says ‘uses this blog’. Makes it sound like you’d need some tissues handy.
http://www.eluvium.net
Euan, sincerely, thank you so much for even more kind words.
If anyone is interested, I should point out that “Thirst” will be released on a split 7″ in due course, via Jerry Loves Records, which is a new wee label started by Andy (the chap behind Off the Beaten Tracks and, indeed, the designer of this here website) and his friend Paddy. The band for the flipside is yet to be confirmed, but all further news will be posted on the myspace.
And hey, Euan, if I had more time, I would happily have joined The Kays Lavelle. But Meursault + my own self-indulgent musical project makes Phillip a busy boy.