Author: Marcus Adetola

Exploring new music. Explaining it shortly after. Keeping the classics close. Neon Music founder.

In Holy, Òlah Bliss invites listeners into a deeply personal space where she lays bare her struggles with pain and redemption. The song begins with a haunting piano melody, a poignant prelude to Òlah’s journey through hardship. Her voice, airy and distinct, whispers the secrets of a soul that has seen the darker corners of life. The chorus of Holy strikes a different note with its retro R&B vibe. Here, Òlah’s honesty shines through. She doesn’t hide behind metaphors or sugarcoat her words. Instead, she presents her pain in its rawest form, making the song a mirror of her own…

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Indie-pop singer Paris Paloma’s My Mind (Now) weaves pain and beauty into a song, not just for its haunting melody but for its raw, unfiltered dive into the aftermath of a toxic relationship. It’s an intimate portrayal of a mind grappling with the seismic shifts caused by profound emotional upheaval. “What did I do wrong? Will you tell me what I did wrong?” The opening lines, repeated like a mantra, set the stage, ringing out the echoes of a wounded soul seeking answers in the void. This refrain, both simple and powerful, creates the feeling of sought-after closure from the…

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Blue Moon by Australian-born, London-based singer-songwriter Kaiya, a soulful R&B ballad, dives deep into the emotional turmoil of love and loss. The song’s narrative centres on the struggle of waiting for a partner who’s emotionally absent, highlighting the bravery required to release someone who’s no longer present in spirit. Kaiya’s expressive and emotive voice captures this raw emotion of longing and heartache as she navigates through the highs and lows of the melody. The track’s musical landscape is a blend of warm keys and a groovy drum beat, creating a dreamy yet grounded atmosphere. This sonic environment complements the song’s…

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Second Nature by electronic pop duo from Detroit, consisting of Josias Yglesias and Haley Grant, aka SIAS is an indie pop melody that wraps you in a cocoon of romantic imagery, where nature’s changing seasons mirror the deepening bond between two souls. It is a delightful exploration of love in its purest form, where lovers finish each other’s sentences. The song’s structure, with its smooth guitar solo and repetitive chorus, crafts an intimate soundscape that is comforting. The lyrics of Second Nature are a clever play on natural elements; they are poetic and offer visual cues to paint a vivid picture of…

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Canadian singer-songwriter Dover Lynn Fox’s latest single, Winter Son, is a remarkable journey through the complexities of human emotion, set against a backdrop of indie-Americana pop. Fox’s voice serves as the perfect vessel for this voyage, taking you through different degrees of emotional variation. It’s this vocal dexterity that brings a unique depth to the track, making Winter Son both comforting and introspective. Lyrically, Fox delves into personal trauma, yet the song never feels weighed down by its own gravity. Instead, there’s a sense of resilience, a narrative of finding light at the end of the tunnel. The backstory of Winter…

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affirmations! affirmations! by Canadian singer-songwriter Maya Malkin dances into the ears with a blend of drum n bass and electronic pop, infused with a thought-provoking yet playful and quirky essence. At its core, the song is a vibrant ode to positive thinking and self-confidence. Maya Malkin’s lyrics echo the power of affirmations, which can be empowering. The musical arrangement in affirmations! affirmations! is a clever mix of drum n bass elements that inject kinetic energy, while the electronic pop undertones add a dreamy, almost ethereal quality. This combination mirrors the song’s theme beautifully, creating a grounding reality of self-belief intertwined…

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North Carolina indie pop band The Collection’s new song Spark of Hope weaves emotional depth with a unique blend of honesty and musicality that makes it resonate with authenticity. From the delicate and intricate instrumentation to the compelling lyrics, it conveys a reflection of real-life perseverance. Lyrically, the song navigates the complexities of hope and despair. Frontman David Wimbish doesn’t shy away from expressing fear and vulnerability, making the song generally relatable emotionally. The chorus, with its refrain of maintaining a ‘spark of hope,’ strikes a chord for its portrayal of hope as a fragile yet persistent force. The musical…

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In Talking To Your Sunflowers, Bea Stewart shares a deeply personal story from her life, one that many can find echoes of in their own experiences. This track, a standout piece from her upcoming EP Sorry I’m So Sensitive, takes listeners on an intimate journey exploring the nuances of growing up and the unbreakable bond between a father and his daughter. The song, which the talented Oskar Winberg produced, is a lovely fusion of folk and pop that will resonate with listeners due to its simplicity and emotional depth. Bea’s voice, imbued with her Belfast accent, adds a unique charm to the track.…

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Calum Scott’s Lighthouse starts in a place of quiet introspection, almost like a whisper in the dark, and then it builds into a crescendo of emotion and sound. The song is a love story, but not in the traditional sense. It’s about finding your way back to what matters most, even when the world tries to pull you in different directions. The lyrics of Lighthouse speak of a love that is unwavering and shines brightly in the darkness. The imagery of a lighthouse is apt, not just as a guiding light but as a symbol of strength and steadfastness. Calum’s…

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Serena by Adi Oasis, featuring Samm Henshaw, is a soulful-tinged and vibrant song that pays homage to resilience and grace, embodied by the legendary Serena Williams. Equally fitting are the catchy rhythms and soulful melodies that complement the powerful message and the artistry with which it’s delivered. The song kicks off with an infectious horn section, setting the stage for a musical journey that’s retro yet has a modern edge. Adi’s smooth vocals glide over funky bass lines, creating a soundscape that’s as compelling as it is groovy. The chorus has an irresistible hook, adding to the quality the track…

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