![]() ![]() It’s a side-effect one would be hard-press to be upset over. Wrapping it all together is an on-rush of keys, guitar, and percussions, all, without fail, inducing the largest grins on listeners’ faces. Awkward moments arise, but the situation blossoms into a heartfelt experience that explores lost love and the beauty of the moments shared together. On the album’s arguably most upbeat track, “ Try Again,” Shauf details an unexpected run-in with an ex. In our interview with him, he noted that “I read this book about reincarnation, and every time I went to the bar, I ended up trying to convince people to read it.” It never worked, sadly. Though, what’s a night-out without introspection, and what better way to question one’s own reality than with the idea of reincarnation? “ Dust Kids” opens with the direct line, “ Charlie asks me if I believe in reincarnation,” and from there, listeners are taken on a stroll partially inspired by the events of Shauf himself. Why do I do the things I do when I know I am losing you?” Not everything in the night can be great, but the evening must continue nonetheless. “ Things I Do” adds to the soundscapes with heavier presences of horns and percussion, and this varied instrumentation aids in pushing the narrative forward as Shauf croons “ Seems like I should have known better than to turn my head like it didn’t matter. The warbled guitar melodies allure, enchanting listeners and delicately carrying them onward. Simple but evocative is a talent Shauf employs with defined grace, and this track takes hold of it with great effect. The gentle flourishes of guitar present on “Neon Skyline” find homes with many of the other tracks, “ Clove Cigarette” being one such example. The rest of the album follows suit, each new track further showcasing just how talented a storyteller Shauf is. “ I called up Charlie about a quarter past nine and said, ‘What’s going on tonight?’ He said, ‘No plans, but I wouldn’t mind holding a lighter head tonight.’ I said, ‘Come to the Skyline, I’ll be washing my sins away.’” Gone are the choruses-now just a story-driven listening experience that adroitly blurs the line between musician and director. “ Neon Skyline” begins the journey with the titular hero readying himself for the evening. ![]() It’s a story of a man and his group venturing from one bar to the next, all filled with happenings that ultimately lead to awkward encounters, heartfelt memories, and the occasional feeling of regret. With The Neon Skyline, audiences now have the entire album acting as the story, one whose robustness could easily classify Shauf as a screenwriter. They were individual vignettes, self-contained passages that had a clear beginning and end. Shauf was in the role of the wallflower, following individual stories taking place at the event and detailing them with vibrancy and care. Listen: ‘The Neon Skyline’ – Andy ShaufĢ016’s The Party saw central a central story, one of a party and the guests enjoying the night-for the most part. ![]() These elements exist in spades on The Neon Skyline, resulting in an album that redefines what it means to be a songwriter. ![]() He’s known for his lyrical wit, penchant for detail-oriented stories-all surrounded by stunning melodies from an array of instruments-and an inescapable charm that lingers around listeners in the most beguiling fashion. Though he has repeatedly stated ( including to us at Atwood Magazine) that he has no intentions to enter the worlds of poetry or literature, that doesn’t mean those worlds haven’t found their way into Shauf’s own. Head here for details.9 By methodically shifting between the roles of a songwriter, poet, and screenwriter on ‘The Neon Skyline,’ Andy Shauf proves once again how his brand of music is simply nonpareil.Īt this point, it might be too simple to call Andy Shauf just a songwriter and musician. He'll support the record with spring North American tour dates. It comes paired with a video directed by V Haddad, featuring a cartoonish scene between God and Jesus. "But the closer you pay attention to the record, the more you’re going to realize that it’s sinister."Īs a preview, Shauf has shared the album's opener, Wasted On You, a cheerful, electronic track with a gentle vocal melody. "The character of Norm is introduced in a really nice way," Shauf explained in a statement. The Canadian singer-songwriter performed every instrument on 'Norm', with Nicholas Olson as story editor and Neal Pogue mixing. The record's narrative is focused around a character called Norm, with lyrics written around themes of good and evil. 'Norm' will be out on February 10 via ANTI-, following up 2020's 'The Neon Skyline' and 2021's surprise-release LP 'Wilds'. ![]()
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