24 May 2013
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Album Review: Simon Spire – All or Nothing

21 May 2009 // A review by BrendaF
Simon Spire’s debut album is an evocative album filled with different genres that seem to fit really well together.

The album starts with tracks ‘Inside Out’ and ‘More or Less’ which both have a rock n roll bass line which firstly I found quite off-putting as they just jump straight out at you but after listening to the album several times, I actually quite liked that about them.

The middle of the album is a lot slower and includes the track which has been receiving a lot of airtime ‘Hiding So Long’ which is a great little pop ballad. ‘Dying Daily’ and ‘Sweet release’ are tracks which are more suited to Simon’s vocal styling. Very easy listening and rich with well written lyrics.

‘You, You, You’ and ‘All or Nothing’ rounds out the album with grassy, rich rock riffs with a mellow bass undertone.

This is an album that grows on you the more it is played and after a while, your toes are tapping and your singing along.
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About Simon Spire

He calls himself a New Yorklander. Having lived in New York since 2008, Simon Spire has found familiarity amongst the bustle of Brooklyn and its spirited streets, his love of the city making it feel like a place he can call home outside of his native New Zealand. It is also the city that inspired the writing of his second full-length album, Four-Letter Words, recorded in a nearby Manhattan studio.

“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

Releases

Four-Letter Words
Year: 2011
Type: Album
All Or Nothing
Year: 2009
Type: Album

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