Spirit Boy - Single Review: Neon Sky
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.
About Spirit Boy
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).
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Spirit Boy
Releases
Other Reviews By Peter K Malthus
Damien Binder - EP Review: Heartful
16 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Damien Binder is now well into his fourth decade of releasing music, and his third as a solo artist. He has an impressive back catalogue to show for it, and his latest EP Heartful sits admirably alongside his previous releases.
Read More...
16 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
I had a fair amount of trepidation about heading along to Otautahi Smoke BBQ Festival, the temperature was forecast to be 31 degrees, and I'm one of those folk who, as Billy Connolly so eloquently put it, is "so white, I'm pale blue". Luckily, I found a nice shady spot with a great view of the stage, and easy access to the free water station, and with a nice cool breeze blowing through, I didn't have to worry about burning to a crisp.
Read More...
Lavender - EP Review: Types Of Infatuation
29 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Types Of Infatuation is the name and the theme of the debut EP from Tamaki Makaurau based Lavender, who has been songwriting and performing from a young age, and whose style has developed into a well-crafted blend of indie folk-pop and alt-rock. Lavender has performed at many high profile events over the past few years, and if this EP is anything to go by, looks well set to go on too much bigger things again.
Read More...
Dylan Kay - EP Review: (I Could) Watch You Forever
29 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Dylan Kay is a seasoned player, having begun 35 years ago, and having been teaching for the last 25 of them, including setting up what is now Auckland's biggest guitar school, in 2012. Originally from the U.
Read More...
Star Chart - EP Review: White Girl Whining
26 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
White Girl Whining is the sophomore EP from Tamaki Makaurau-based Star Chart, a project created and fronted by Chrissie Hart, multi-talented multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire. After an impressive career of touring the world playing on cruise ships, in hotels, and as a session musician, she returned to her hometown to finally start recording some original music that she'd been quietly working on since high school.
Read More...
CAITLIN - EP Review: Legacy
22 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Legacy is the latest in an impressive list of releases from Otautahi-based CAITLIN, an EP comprised of her last three singles and one previously unreleased track, Attention. The four songs presented here amply demonstrate her growth and maturing as an artist and songwriter, as she examines the emotions involved in some deeply personal experiences, at times laying herself bare with rawness and honesty.
Read More...
19 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Homemade Pills is a new album by Patients, one of the projects of Christchurch's Aeneas Jones. As well as fronting heavy rockers PhatSak and performing with Chickenyard and When I Was Sexy, Aeneas drew together the collective Patients to play and record this latest effort.
Read More...
Appertain - EP Review: Sideways
29 Oct 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Auckland based Appertain consists of Adam Strang and David Hector, and between the two of them, they conjure up a nice big fat rock sound, "with powerful riffs and soulful lyrics". October 10th saw the release of their debut EP, Sideways, and I had the pleasure of reviewing it.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
