Neutrals
New Town Dream
Static Shock/Slumberland Records [2024]
Album Overview: Neutrals are a Bay Area trio known for their sharp, observational songwriting and evocative soundscapes. The band’s frontman, Allan McNaughton, provides a lyrical lens on everyday life, often inspired by his experiences and the socio-political landscape of the UK. After a five-year hiatus since their debut album Kebab Disco (2019), Neutrals return with their sophomore effort, New Town Dream. The record features thirteen tracks that paint vivid pictures of everyday scenes and characters. The entire album maintains a commitment to indie ethos with its raw DIY sound. The songs transport listeners to a nostalgic yet critical view of life in the UK’s “New Towns” from the ’60s and ’70s. The record has a true zip to its tracks with a runtime of 33 minutes. McNaughton possesses the vocal charisma and swagger of great frontmen like Paul Weller, Joe Strummer, and Jarvis Cocker. Neutrals’ honest approach and blend of punk and indie draw listeners in close, with New Town Dream getting better with each spin.
Musical Style: Neutrals’ music is heavily influenced by post-punk and indie pop, highlighted by jangly guitars, rhythmic precision, and melodic hooks. The sound is both energetic and reflective, drawing comparisons to bands from the ’80s indie scene. The Neutrals also benefit from the backing vocals of Lauren Matsui (bass), which gives the band its noticeable Bay Area type sound but at the same time is different compared to their contemporaries in this genre.
Evolution of Sound: With New Town Dream, Neutrals build on the foundations laid by their earlier work, incorporating more detailed narratives and refined musical arrangements. The album shows a maturation in their songwriting and a deeper exploration of their thematic interests, while still retaining the vibrant energy that defines their sound.
Artists with Similar Fire: The Neutrals’ sound is reminiscent of The Wedding Present, Television Personalities, The Times, and The Jam. These comparisons highlight their alignment with the indie and post-punk movements, as well as their knack for blending upbeat music with introspective lyrics.
Pivotal Tracks: Key tracks on New Town Dream include “Wish You Were Here,” “The Iron That Never Swung,” “That’s Him On The Daft Stuff Again,” “Travel Agent’s Windows,” and “Steven Proctor Bus Conductor.” Each song is incredibly tight and offers a sharp taste of their indie pop meets post-punk style, providing a unique glimpse into the album’s thematic core, blending sharp social commentary with compelling musicality.
Lyrical Strength: Allan McNaughton’s lyrics stand out for their poignant reflections on mundane realities and societal issues. The album’s narratives explore the tension between personal dreams and systemic constraints, capturing the spirit of an era marked by change and disillusionment. McNaughton’s storytelling is both detailed and relatable, making New Town Dream a rich lyrical experience.
NEUTRALS LINKS
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- Neutrals: New Town Dream [Album Review] - May 30, 2024
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