22 Dec 2024
Simon Spire - Four Letter Words Album Review
19 May 2011 // A review by Dilemma
Simon Spire releases his second album, 'Four Letter Words'. The Lead single ‘Liberate Your Love’ hints at the slightly edgier direction Spire has taken on his second album, but without losing the alluring melody hooks and ambitious lyrics he is known for.
The album effortlessly navigates between differing intensities, from the uplifting stomp of ‘Knocking On An Open Door’, A change of tempo in the fourth track a gloriously vulnerable and emotive ‘No Solid Ground’, to the conflicting struggle and triumph of the title dream-pop track ‘A Four-Letter Word’. A blue pill’ comes across with a pop ballad feel that envelops you.
“This album is about the struggle and challenges of being true to oneself,” says Spire. “It’s about the boldness of claiming our potential, and of being in a process of discovery both of the lies we tell ourselves and of the inspiration that wants to come to life.”
The album is very lyrical and synthe driven not a lot of bells and whistles, which makes it feel very natural. 'Four Letter Words' sound is very versatile with comparable moments to Owl City, Ryan Adams and Sufjan Stevens putting it on par with some greats in the alternative music scene.
About Simon Spire
“I’m always interested in where humanity is going, and for that reason I love being in New York – I’ve often thought of it as being at the forefront of the continuing cultural evolution,” says Simon. “In that sense, I want to be part of a new vision, taking part in where we’re going next. I wanted Four-Letter Words to be relevant not just on a personal level, but also collectively.”
It was 2008 when his debut album, All Or Nothing, established the Auckland-born singer/songwriter as a diverse talent with the ability to skip between energetic powerpop, rock’n'roll and lush balladry. His sincere songwriting style and earnest vocals combined to make songs that were engagingly personal and impressively crafted, while also providing a platform to showcase his unique guitar styling.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Simon Spire
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