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Spirit Boy - Single Review: Neon Sky

24 Mar 2023 // A review by Peter K Malthus

I dragged my feet over this review, seriously let it get overdue, even. I haven't long been doing the reviewing thing here, so I wanted to be really sure about what I wanted to say, with this particular one. Hence sleeping on it, overthinking it, listening to the song ridiculous amounts, playing it to friends going "Listen, see what I mean? I'm not wrong, am I??"

I soon as I read Spirit Boy's artist page and saw that they "make music they love to listen to", I was confident I'd be hearing something good, personally I don't know of any better reason to make music. My confidence was not misplaced. Neon Sky is, in my humble opinion, simply excellent. Ethan Mead sings with soulful conviction, each line of every verse a beautiful poem unto itself ("Hanging 'round my neck, are a couple misplaced bets" being a personal favourite).

This song exquisitely juxtaposes sorrow and hope in its thoughtful lyrics, with a stunning backdrop of musical brilliance. Each note, each beat, each phrase crafted to perfection. Nothing over- or understated, every band member clearly playing for the song, and clearly all on the same page in terms of direction.

This song deserves to be heard at festivals. This song deserves for you to listen to it, and deserves a place in your heart. And Spirit Boy's Neon Sky deserves every bit of the 5 stars I'm giving it.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ ( 5 / 5 )
 
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About Spirit Boy

Hailing from the bright lights of Otautahi, indie-rock outfit Spirit Boy make music they love to listen to. Led by Ethan Mead’s commanding voice, Spirit Boy take inspiration from Americana and folk artists of the 60's and 70's, the earnestness of 80's new romanticism, and the stadium-filling rock bands that shaped their teenage years.

Although Mead came late to song-writing, he has an undeniable ear for a melody and the mind for a story. Mead describes the album as a “collection of joyous songs about being sad - a sort of celebration of the full spectrum of human emotion.”

Depending on who you talk to, the band started during a game of bingo attended by Mead and guitarist Regan Barker underneath Christchurch’s casino. Another account suggests that a chance encounter seeing Barker on stage with guitar in hand inspired Mead to become a song writer. Whichever version you believe, the five-piece consists of Mead (vocals/guitar), Barker (guitar), Sam Burt (keyboard/piano), Talon Adams (bass), and Mason Head (drums).

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