3 Nov 2024
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Neil Beales - Single Review: Missing Words

13 Apr 2022 // A review by ApolloSteamTrain

Missing Words is the latest solo offering from Wellington based songwriter Neil Beales who is also a member of the band Tower of Flints.

The track was Recorded at the Outland Sessions, a week long songwriting collaboration event where Neil has been a regular attendee for the last few years. Songwriters are given the opportunity to engage with some of the best musical talent in New Zealand and be guided by a very high standard of artistic value and musical production. Having already produced multiple songs via this production environment, Missing Words is another shining example of the Neil's talents as both a musician and songwriter.

Calling on influence from the likes of RadioHead, Elbow and Pink Floyd, Neil has delivered a thought provoking Guitar ballad that simultaneously guides the listener on both a sonic and lyrical journey.

The track begins with layers of lush acoustic guitars providing a relaxing bed for Neil to vocally tell his story with lyrical content of self-exploration and dissatisfaction with the status quo. A yearning for progress and perhaps just a little revolution.

The structure of the lyrics matches his chosen soundscape perfectly and serves to gently lead the listener through the song. Nice vocal harmony choices, subtle word placement and Neil's experienced use of major to minor cadences mean that if the track were to be just an acoustic ballad, then it could easily stand alone as a complete work at the point in the song when the vocals have finished. But wait. Acoustic Guitar is all very well but come on now... Let's plug in.

The song explodes gloriously into what can only be described as a 'Fireworks Display' of lead guitar melodies backed by a brilliantly executed 'grunge infused' drum outro. A class ending and a fitting way to finish telling the story.

I particularly enjoy the way that this track uses both words and melody to have a conversation. A fine example of great songwriting.

Thanks Neil. Well done good sir.

Missing Words is currently available on YouTube with an equally brilliant music video to complete the package.

Rating: ( 5 / 5 )
 

About Neil Beales

Neil Beales is a Wellington based musician who is normally found providing rhythm guitar and ebow for local band Tower of Flints, but writes and performs his own music as well.

His songs cover a range of different genres and are mostly guitar based, although he does like to dabble in synth based music as well.

Influences for Neil vary wildly such as Radiohead, Wilco, Elbow, Longpigs, Suede, Nine Inch Nails, most bands from the grunge era and the New Romantic era. Other influences reach as far back as the Stones and the Beatles, Dylan and Crosby Stills and Nash.

Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Neil Beales

Releases

There are no releases to display for Neil Beales.

Other Reviews By ApolloSteamTrain

Orangefarm - Album Review: Inheritance
21 Jul 2023 // by ApolloSteamTrain
Inheritance is the long awaited debut album from Wellington indie rock outfit Orangefarm. The band is the vehicle for the ongoing musical offerings of front-man Nigel Mitchell, who is well settled and respected in the Wellington musical landscape.
Read More...
Bleeding Star - Album Review: Dropper
02 Jun 2023 // by ApolloSteamTrain
Dropper is the debut album from Wellington band - Bleeding Star. Self-described as "Noise Rock" the band have risen from bedroom demos to supporting international touring acts and being voted #1 on Wellingtons Radio Active for their song February.
Read More...
Brian Baker - EP Review: Open Up Your Heart
27 Jul 2022 // by ApolloSteamTrain
Brian Baker is an established Kiwi songwriter whose career spans 40 years and is still going strong. His latest release is a 5-track EP entitled Open Up Your Heart and it brilliantly showcases Brian's musical experience and the journey that his art has taken him on.
Read More...
ShockOne x Lee Mvtthews - Single Review: Thinkin About
09 Jun 2022 // by ApolloSteamTrain
If you are entrenched in and or familiar with the world of EDM (specifically Drum n Bass) then Lee Mvtthews will require no introduction, but for those of us that are perhaps not keeping up, here is the group summary in three sentences from a Kiwi perspective: A few years back in 2012, a couple of Auckland blokes named Graham Matthews and Tom Lee were knocking the top off a few beers while shooting the shizness about the music business. They found that they were both into the same stuff, right and decided to have a crack at making a few tunes on the computer.
Read More...
Goodspace - Single Review: Sit Down
05 May 2022 // by ApolloSteamTrain
Goodspace are an Auckland 4-piece band in the style of what I want to call Glitch Dream Rock. A style that fuses together traditional songwriting styles with modern EDM soundscapes over Dream Pop vocal styles.
Read More...
Gig Review: Crowded House @ Claudelands Arena, Hamilton - 23/03/2021
24 Mar 2021 // by ApolloSteamTrain
The Crowded House To The Island tour strolled into Hamilton last night and took a seat at Claudelands Arena. A strong crowd of 4000 fans, comfortably arranged in a theatre style setting waited patiently for this long overdue performance from our favourite sons.
Read More...
Gig Review: Jon Toogood @ Waihi Beach Hotel, Waihi Beach - 04/01/2021
05 Jan 2021 // by ApolloSteamTrain
The Jon Toogood Solo, Acoustic tour rolled into the Waihi Beach Hotel last night and I was indeed an eager attendee. Jon has been regularly performing in this format for the last few years but the stars have not always been aligned to allow me to catch the gig, so I wanted to make sure that I did not let this opportunity pass by again.
Read More...
Michael Morris - Single Review: Pseudoephedrine
20 Dec 2020 // by ApolloSteamTrain
Dunedin based Alternative Pop/Rock/Punk musician Michael Morris returns home following an extensive journey throughout Europe while based in France. The first single from his upcoming sophomore album is called Pseudoephedrine and is a nice example of what is shaping up to be a noteworthy body of work.
Read More...
View All Articles By ApolloSteamTrain

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
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
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 ProblemReport A Problem