Richard BodinA couple weeks ago, Neptune Blood was asking the question on social media: « Is it too late to release a summer song? ». « In Calico », recording with producer Ben Wanders, was released a few days later.
A Summer Glow in Sound
In Calico feels as good a late-summer evening —when the sun keeps shining until late, while sitting in the garden, barbecue embers still smoking, and sipping a nice fresh beer. It starts of if the music was coming out of the radio, until a bright guitar riff cuts through and drums stride in with a steady, driving rhythm. The arrangement blossoms between vocals, weaving pulsing guitars, bursts of brass, and a tasteful guitar solo
While there’s a hint of early 2000s indie (think Pulp), this is very much Neptune Blood’s own sound—lighter in tone than their darker previous singles “Best Laid Plans“ and “Midnight Showing”. Ronan Mitchel’s voice is still as deep and resonant, laid out with warm and uplifting harmonies. The lyrics explore a nostalgic thematics, quite fitting with the contemplation state of the late summer evening.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
As Mitchell’s explains: « ‘In Calico’ explores the feeling of being at a point in your life where you’re looking back nostalgically on parts of your life, while still having a lot to look forward to. ». One the particular memories he evoke in the song is about the outlandish claymation music video for Jackie Wilson’s “Reed Petite”, which according to him turns into a horror show — which from the point of view of a toddler is very understandable
Once again, Neptune Blood release a very fitting music video to accompany their single. Directed by Darragh O’Flannagáin, the video shows a boy going around on his bike. As he hurts himself on the knee, he gets up, tends to his wounds before facing his fears and fixing up and improving his bicycle. The tone is nostalgic, seemingly happening in the 80s or 90s, the colors are warm, fitting exactly with the vibes given to the listener by the song.
This single from Neptune Blood, once again hits home for me. Hopefully their first EP won’t be long to release…
