23 May 2013
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.
Tweet
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
Other Reviews By Dilemma
TREi - Satellites LP Review
30 Apr 2013 // by Dilemma
I’ll be honest I didn’t even know NZ had Drum n Bass DJ’s let alone a whole industry and a producer who was on to his second album, but that’s why I love NZ, because of our diversity of amazing music. I’m going to put it out there pretty quick that I’m not usually a fan of the dirty drum n bass thing, but I was given the Album Satellites to take a listen to and I was highly impressed.
Read More...
Maree Sheehan - Chasing The Light Album Review
04 Mar 2013 // by Dilemma
In the 1990's Maree Sheehan helped pave the way for women in the New Zealand music industry by bringing homegrown dance-pop to the foreground. Sheehan had a unique style, which blended dance-pop with traditional Maori instrumentals, hip-hop and RnB which broke new musical ground.
Read More...
Tyree - Motivation Album Review
23 Feb 2013 // by Dilemma
It's been six long years since Tyree's debut album Now Or Never (2007) and his much anticipated sophomore opus Motivation calls on all of that experience and maturity into a project that encapsulates Tyree and his current struggles to maintain a positive outlook on life and career. "It's got a lot of songs that will motivate you.
Read More...
Tranzmute - Awakening To The Truth Album Review
21 Dec 2012 // by Dilemma
Review of Transmute CD - 3.5/5 Tranzmute is a hip hop artist exploring the social, political and spiritual aspects of the human experience.
Read More...
Junica - The Celebration Album Review
30 Nov 2012 // by Dilemma
I first remember hearing Junica AKA Nik Brinkman back in 2011 when Living In My House featuring Pip Brown Aka Ladyhawke was released and I thought it was good a bit 80's disco and shiny mirrorballs. Unfortunately that first single was released at the same time as The Naked and Famous were big and I really didn't take a lot of notice because the N&F are so good at what they do.
Read More...
RIANZ 47th Annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards
15 Nov 2012 // by Dilemma
When you kick off any kind of ceremony with 3 drummers smashing double kick pedals completely in unison backing NZ’s own rock superstar Gin Wigmore, you would think that there is no actual way that a night could start or end any better! But we wouldn’t expect anything less being that this was the beginning of the 47th Annual Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards held at the Vector Arena earlier this month.
Read More...
Aaradhna Showcase @ Nectar Bar 11/10/12
13 Nov 2012 // by Dilemma
About a month ago, I was invited to watch Aaradhna showcase some new songs from her new amazing album Treble and Reverb. It’s been out for about 5 days now, have you heard it?
Read More...
Aaradhna - Treble and Reverb Album Review
31 Oct 2012 // by Dilemma
Have you heard about it yet? Undoubtedly the best NZ music album to be released this year?
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Gigs Today
- APRA Presents: Like A Version
KINGS ARMS TAVERN - Battle of the Bands - Semi 2
BODEGA - Sleeping Dogs
MIGHTY MIGHTY - Tom Waits For No-One Too
DARK ROOM - Nadia Reid
RHYTHM UPSTAIRS - Open Mic Night
CABANA - Stray From The Path (USA)
ZEAL WAITAKERE - Hollie Smith
THE TASTING SHED LTD - Fred V & Grafix (UK)
INK COHERENT - Tiny Ruins
GRAINSTORE GALLERY
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- BLURRED LINES
Robin Thicke feat. TI And Pharrell - GET LUCKY
Daft Punk feat. Pharrell - LET HER GO
Passenger - RADIOACTIVE
Imagine Dragons - AFRICA
Toto - ROYALS
Lorde - FEEL THIS MOMENT
Pitbull feat. Christina Aguilera - CAN'T HOLD US
Macklemore And Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton - MIRRORS
Justin Timberlake - SKINNY LOVE
Birdy
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom 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
