"Walking in Circles" by Neil Allesee (Album Review)
The name of the album is “Walking in Circles” by Neil Allesee, and it is a well-written chaotic reggae rock hit that I look forward to adding to my summer playlist. I listened to the recent 4/20/20 release on a stroll through my neighborhood, and I have to say, Neil’s music could be considered an uplifting soundtrack to smooth out anyone’s day, at least anyone with a good taste in alternative music.
I like this album in a notion of many ways. Starting with the album cover, we see a series of tall townhouse buildings; they are sketched with charcoal or oiled based pastels filled in with light green, orange, and pink. In front of the buildings march a series of mini musicians, playing their instruments through the streets. The scene reminds me of New Orleans or San Francisco. It makes me think, I wonder if this band has been marching around all day... walking in circles?
The first track, “Didn’t See That Coming”, begins with the main riffs being played on a transistor radio or similar effects pedal. Immediately following the radio intro, the full band jumps in, with a looming Ween feel. It’s melodic and driven with a 70’s chorus on the lead electric guitar. With a soft departure two-thirds through the song via saxophone, we are brought back in for the resolution via bass and horns that lock into the vocals, rounding out the song.
The second track, “Seasons Change”, may be my favorite, but I am known to have a soft spot for grit, grunge, and shoe gaze. Pair that with dark lyrics and flanger or phaser on the guitar, I am hooked. It is certainly an ethereal song with a fantastical spirit and deep bass. It reminds me of something I will hear at a music festival in the dear future, and I would stop to dance and listen.
Third is the feel-good, “Smokin’ Just to Pass the Time”. The intro is bass heavy with a major reggae push, and lyrics that are straight to the point. It’s a comforting song, complete with a bong smoking sound sample. It appears the band has a sense of humor and a way of relating to their audience. In the middle section of the song, Neil brings us a groovy daydream synth and flute / woodwind instrumental break reminiscent of the 60’s.
The fourth track is an entirely instrumental track titled “Beef Wailington”. The title of this song confirms that the band does indeed have a sense of humor. It is a happy song with tapping on the guitar strings that tease in a call-and-repeat fashion with the main jam. There are major jazz influences in “Beef Wailington”, as well.
Lucky number five is “Waiting for the Sun to Rise”. It begins with a vocal melody of “Na na na na”. This is alongside funky styled catch and release style rhythm. Throughout “Waiting for the Sun to Rise,” an electric guitar cuts in and out. This along with the vocals lead the song, right up until the ending, where Neil seals the track with a little double pedal on the drums.
Up next is “Not Forgotten”. It has a beginning with touches of “Battle of Evermore” by Led Zeppelin. I feel Neil Allesee pull on my heart strings as he jets into a reggae love song. The lyrics serenade, “I have not forgotten, what it feels like to be loved”.
Following is “Let Me Down” at track seven. It has moments of jazz on the keys, and the lyrics ring true, especially following the previous reggae love song. In it, Neil sings, “Please... Let me down”, repeatedly. He’s got a great voice that demands I feel what it is like to be jaded from love. The song transforms into a sultry blues number, leaving the listener wanting more.
Number eight is “Just Another Song”. Feels like an ode to Pink Floyd, if Pink Floyd were to sing break up songs seeking redemption and another fighting chance at a relationship. I do really like this song, and I think it takes runner up on my favorite tracks of the album.
Playing at number nine is “Find My Way”, where Neil brings the album in full circle and speaks about forging one’s own path. “Find My Way” boasts a strong acoustic guitar accompanied by tapping drums, a rock ’n roll Americana approach to the playing, and ultimately, an organ piano. There are live claps that add a personal touch, and Neil has a lot soul in his singing for this one.
Topping off Neil Allesee’s “Walking in Circles” is the title song of the album. “Walking in Circles” starts with a metal inspiration in the guitar picking. This is presented with an airy and galactic middle section, reminding me of Primus and Black Sabbath.
Neil Allesee’s third full length album release, “Walking in Circles”, is available to stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube, and more. A masterpiece of orchestrated havoc that I will listen to again and again.
Spin Cycle Presents
7/13/2020 - Album Review
By Kendra Muecke