Dream… or perhaps a nightmare? This is the underlying inquiry posed by Neutrals’ second LP, New Town Dream, as guitarist/vocalist Allan McNaughton’s lyrical narratives delve into the realm initially introduced in the band’s 2022 EP, “Bus Stop Nights.” Here, they present glimpses of the mundane realities experienced in the “New Towns” that burgeoned across the UK during the ’60s and ’70s. Through “New Town Dream,” McNaughton conceptually articulates the psychic tension of that era, where individuals were pushed to the margins, becoming mere cogs in a deeply flawed machine.
The musical influences of Neutrals are firmly rooted in the era of the beleaguered Thatcherism spanning from the late ’70s to the late ’80s. Tracks like “Wish You Were Here” and “The Iron That Never Swung” resonate with a razor-sharp, rapid strum reminiscent of The Wedding Present. Meanwhile, “That’s Him on the Daft Stuff Again” and “Travel Agent’s Windows” pay homage to the naive, kaleidoscopic mod melodies tinged with cynicism akin to the Television Personalities. Furthermore, “Steven Proctor Bus Conductor” unfurls gradually, blending dark, rhythm-forward verses reminiscent of Josef K with transcendentally Pastels-esque pop choruses, accentuated by sugary-sweet backing vocals courtesy of bassist Lauren Matsui. These tracks encapsulate the perfect C86 sounds for the often harrowing realities of the present day. Check out “That’s Him On The Daft Stuff Again” below:
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Thi sis Saturday. In the begginning I thought hot and fast paced salad on the roof an elephant would walk, but she was siiinging.