Neil Brogan is a master of concise guitar pop nuggets. He charmed and thrilled us with his former project Sea Pinks and his solo work, and he continues to earn our praise with his new album
Things Keep Getting In The Way. His sweet spot has been jangling, chiming, crunchy tunes with a good coat of sunny California vibes. Sure, he is in Belfast, but location is a state of mind. But while there are plenty of such songs on this album, Neil shows a deft touch with quieter, more reflective tunes such as "Build Back Better". Throughout the listener is treated to keep observations and wry humor to add substance to the hooks, riffs and bouncing rhythms.
We had a brief editorial debate about whether the album is front-loaded or back-loaded, but decided that it was a trick question. The album is just plain loaded. This may be Neil's best, most consistent work. And for a man that has impressed us for a long time, that is quite a feat.
Things Keep Getting In The Way is self-released and is out now. See the Bandcamp link below.
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