It's pretty obvious that lots of bands on the Slumberland Records imprint take their inspiration from Brit ones. But now we've finally got a trio who've made a record that would stand admirably next to those of the Class of 1979. I'm talking about Neutrals, the Oakland outfit who've dropped their new record, New Town Dream, today.
From the Wedding Present-ish "That's Him on the Daft Stuff Again" onwards, it's clear we're in reverential territory, sonically speaking. Singer Allan McNaughton, a Scottish transplant to the States, makes the roaring "Wish You Were Here" a highlight here, delivering vocals as impassioned as the guitars. This is superbly realized stuff, with this one owing a huge debt to both David Gedge and The Pastels. And when Lauren Matsui (Seablilte) adds in background vocals, a hint of Shop Assistants reveals itself. Neutrals do this sort of thing so very well that it's a fool's errand trying to pin down points of inspiration instead of just enjoying the post-punk blasts of this record.
New Town Dream is a sort of concept album, but it's one from a bunch of Californians (one a Scottish expat) about life in Great Britain in decades past. Tackling planned communities ("New Town Dream") and seaside vacays in Spain ("Wish You Were Here"), the record is as claustrophic in subject matter as one of the early Black Box Recorder missives. Still, there's wamrth for the human condition here, and that warmth is married to sharp riffs like on an early Buzzcocks offering. That is what gives this record a unique power. There's lots here that one could dissect, tracing likely inspirations for the way a melody unfolds, or a lyrical concern progresses. But that analytical approach dilutes the emotional heft here. New Town Dream is most successful when the big hooks and chords carry these tunes into a sweet spot that reminds one of how fresh this sort of music was back then, and how absolutely vital it can still be when done right in 2024. Neutrals are doing it exactly right, folks.
New Town Dream by Neutrals is out today via Slumberland Records.
[Photo: Mark Murrmann]