Neiliyo's new album better than others
Neiliyo's new album is fun and cool, like all of the items in his car
On Oct. 13, Austin solo act Neiliyo released his first full-length LP titled Runnin' #Errndz. A self-described "solo electro-funktionaire," Neiliyo has cited his biggest influences as artists from his childhood like Prince and Hall & Oates. The album, an ode to Neiliyo's interest in leisure, clothes, making music and other diversions from the mundane, is an upbeat and polished work that is a noticeable step up from his previous releases. Before even discussing the music, it is worth noting that the album cover for Runnin' #Errndz takes the work as a whole to another level. If Neiliyo's lyrics on the album aren't enough to clue the listener in to his carefree attitude and ghetto-fabulous aspirations, then the cover is a dead giveaway. With his name in giant, glistening gold lettering, Neiliyo is pictured cruising in a car filled with some of his favorite things: a keyboard, a tambourine, a guitar, button-down shirts, boat shoes and a boombox (all of which are also glowing).
Neiliyo's ability to put on a fun and exciting live show has overshadowed his past recorded pieces. With the release of Runnin' #Errndz, however, the drop-off is far less noticeable. In terms of production value, Neiliyo uses a wide range of vocal effects that shape an identity for 10 unique tracks.
Layering his usual high-pitched singing on top of a lower key spoken voice on "What I'm Doin'," Neiliyo crafts a track that seems to build up and break down every 30 seconds. The best part is: It works. This sort of production is even more impressive considering that the album comes quite literally "from [his] bedroom to your headset."
"Go With It," one of the stronger tracks on the album, features a robotic voice that chimes in over the hard-hitting bass line. Urging his listeners to sing along and let go of any apprehensions, Neiliyo makes a fair metaphor when he sings, "Music needs a vacation/and I'm the travel agent." While others might produce what is demanded to sell records or please pretentious indie-bots, Neiliyo makes it no secret that his main motivation is his love of making music.
The second-to-last track, "Springtime," is Neiliyo's masterpiece. While his reputation for fun and upbeat party starters precedes him, this track is a trippy autotuned pseudo-ballad that packs a heavy drumbeat and some melodic string sections.
Available as a free digital download on Neiliyo's site, bandcamp.com, Runnin' #Errndz is a fun, fresh step away from today's musical norm and is highly recommended. In a 2008 interview with undiscoveredaustin.com, Neiliyo divulged that he was trying to create a new music genre called "fun." Two years and two mixtapes later, Runnin' #Errndz seems to be exactly what this Austinite was going for.
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