Of all the artists we review on this site, NEAON, an Australian singer-songwriter and musician, is perhaps the one who deserves a slightly more detailed introduction.
Our knowledge of her skills dates back to shortly before the collaboration that saw the birth of “With You“, in 2022, which was defined as “more of a spell than a song”. It should be noted that Neaon was still without a voice at the time due to covid, just to give everyone an idea of the vastness of her singing ability.
In addition to being a great singer, we are talking about an artist who is able to play and compose with a wide range of instruments as well as in a wide variety of styles, and who, in addition to “musical” art, is also versed in theater, as well as teaching.
The quality of her music is, at least in my opinion as I write this introduction, so high that in a just world she should be among the most acclaimed synth/retro artists globally and be able to live off her music alone, but unfortunately, this is not a particularly just world for many people.
Today we find ourselves talking about her EP “The Other Side”, the track “The Return” of which was also selected by us as one of the best synthwave/synthpop songs for 2023.
Luca's Take
What can we say about Neaon and her EP “The Other Side“?
I have always been a big fan of her art. That’s why when I was working on our 2022 album, Beyond The Emotions, with Alex still in the “training” phase to become our official voice, I turned to her, despite her voice weakened by covid, for the vocal part of one of the songs.
But if we talk about NEAON outside of collaborations, then we are talking about an artist who makes her music something that transcends the simple song and becomes an experience.
Without limitations linked to modern demands that want short, concise, repetitive and light songs, NEAON is dedicated to her vision and nothing can distract her from realizing it.
Tracks and songs that last up to 7 minutes created in an absolutely epic way, perfect for occasional listening but, and I want to emphasize this aspect, so cinematic that I am surprised that her music has not yet been used in some high-level production.
As I also wrote in the introduction to this review: in a just world, NEAON would be known globally and would live only on art.
Luca's favourite track
It should come as no surprise that the track that we prefer from this EP is “The Return,” the only track that features the artist’s vocals and which we selected as one of the most beautiful songs of 2023.
Powerful, evocative, nostalgic, cinematic… any positive adjective that could be associated with a song can be associated with “The Return.
Alex's Take
With “The Other Side,” NEAON has once again proven to be a master at creating magical atmospheres through synthwave, synthpop, and (in my opinion) epic metal music, accompanied by lyrics that also vibrate the soul.
The use of electronic guitar is a distinctive element that adds that personal touch and makes the tracks unforgettable. The fusion of synth and guitar creates an extraordinary harmony, highlighting the artist’s multi-instrumentalist abilities
Alex favourite track
My favorite track is: “The Return-The Other Side”
This epic/metal/lyrical evolution, sister of the first track, was “a blow to the heart” thanks to the majestic and narrative impact of the voice (And what a voice!!!) ancient and mesmerizing, poetic/bard texts, and the energy of the electronic guitar… it’s like a musical journey guided by the voice of a siren that takes you to a mystical and exciting world where you will be the protagonist of epic battles against darkness.
Impossible to resist them, once you start listening!
Conclusion
“The Other Side” by NEAON is a collection of only three songs, but each one is a masterpiece of notes and emotions. Definitely one of the best Synthwave/Synthpop productions of 2023.
What do you think? Leave us a comment in the section below.
We also invite you to follow our playlist “The Best Indie Music” on Spotify, where we upload all the best tracks from the albums we decide to review (obviously, if they are available on Spotify).
All the best,
Luca & Alex
