Nearest Neighbors - Nearest Neighbors

Nearest Neighbors

Nearest Neighbors
​self-released; 2020

3.7 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Nearest Neighbors is an indie rock project created and fronted by Shawn Minnig. He apparently has had an on-and-off again relationship with music. He took a decade off and returned to it while trying to unwind from his school studies. He recently released a self-titled three-song EP Nearest Neighbors.

He explains, “The album is rooted in power-pop and is largely influenced by artists like early Weezer, Manchester Orchestra, Jimmy Eat World, The Rentals and Ozma.” That pretty much nails it. The Weezer influence was very on the nose at times down to the distortion and I was also reminded of Fountains of Wayne. Musically, the songs are straightforward and if you were around during the mid to late ’90s this is what a lot of music sounded like that was being played on MTV.

He opens with “Sad, Sad Song'' and yeah that’s a good name for the song. It starts with a simple guitar pattern and a lamenting vocal performance. He pulled off the vocal inflection and I liked his delivery right away. The song changes once the distortion, power chords and drums come into the mix. As the song progresses you get an instrumental section, then back to the chorus. I thought it was a powerful song and by the end thought he was a really talented singer.

“Frankenstein” is next. The verse sounds like a combination of “Free Fallin'” by Tom Petty and classic power pop from the ’90s. It’s a dynamic song and similar to the previous song but finds some epic peaks. “New Philosophy” starts with no warning and comes out of the gates rocking. It’s a catchy and infectious song. The three songs went together very well and had a very good idea of his sound.

This felt like an homage to power pop. Minnig stays within the lane of the genre and I wasn’t greeted with any surprises good or bad while listening. That being said this is exceptional power pop that can stand head to head with some of the best the genre has to office. As an engineer myself I have to also give him kudos for solid DIY recording.

​This style of music was very popular for a sliver of musical history. I’m glad Minnig is keeping the flame alive.

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