Leaving Neon - Seeing Lights

Leaving Neon

Seeing Lights
self-released; 2014

3.6 out of 5

By Eva Cantillo

Leaving Neon is from Minneapolis and is made up of two musicians who are great friends and in turn make great pop/alternative rock music together. The duo has been playing since their freshman year of high school and this is their first LP entitled Seeing Lights. The songs span more than five years of songwriting and they are unique in character because of their genuine acoustic vibe yet have the qualitative sound of a studio recorded album.

The opening track on the album is definitely an eye-opener. “Sway” wastes no time and right from the beginning guitars blare at high-speed setting the tone for the rest of the song, which is very catchy. Essentially the song is all about lust, “She’s got a body I want to see… She’s got sway like she’s a loaded gun… she can walk into a room and steal all the attention.” I enjoy the breaking chorus toward the middle of the song, “I’m going to be the one that’s going to break your sway,” and then the guitar goes off on an epic solo before the infectious chorus comes back once more. This is really a fun and refreshing song.

Next up, “Stars from Mars” starts off with a calculated guitar and drum pattern that draws you in quickly and effortlessly. Soon the vocalist’s crisp and broad voice adds another layer to the stop and go beat. Lyrics represent an unusual take that seems to have its roots in punk rock because of its rebellion; “the vines keep on growing and my thoughts are overflowing… sure all the stars look the same from Mars… if we only knew what breathing could do.”

Leaving Neon shows its true, bright colors in this full-length release and there are so many songs, melodies and distinct lyrics to get lost in while listening to Seeing Lights. While listening you could easily imagine more than two musicians pumping out these sounds, showing the clear talent of these two young musicians. Anyone into pop/ punk rock will enjoy Seeing Lights.

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