ALBUM REVIEW: Newtown Neurotics - Cognitive Dissidents
There is self-reflection and there is confrontation. The two may seem like opposites but they come together on Newtown Neurotics’ mesmerising new album “Cognitive Dissidents”, a work of importance and relevance.
The album tackles the idea of accepting fears, recognising the things we hate and feelings of isolation. It offers consistency of thought matched with a beautiful narrative and leads on to moments of catharsis.
Running on a nervous energy, “Cognitive Dissidents” instantly grabs your attention. The band stylise despondency and as singer Steve Drewett spits out every syllable – and I mean spits – the hard edge of his accent amplifies the lyrics that both shape and batter the mental turmoil he’s going through.
‘Hope’ is a song that deals with boyish innocence and vulnerability. It has a drum beat and a bassline that seem to summon a fervent paranoia. Each song sounds like it’s covered with a layer of grease, and intentionally so. An air of hopelessness hangs in the self-destructive nature of ‘Hell in a Handcart’, as images of sirens and final breaths fill the dead of night.
In equally fascinating ways, it’s hypnotic and infectious. Soaked in drum beats, searing bass lines, the lyrics are integral to the song as well. The effects of combining authentic lyrics and instinctive instrumentation are dramatic, emotional, and ultimately, empowering.
Excellent lyrics play a vital role to Newtown Neurotics, and it is no exaggeration to say that there would be no music without them. The idea of an emotional truth is the key driver in their poetic and sonic landscape.
‘Stand with You’ signifies the impulse to reflect the whole spectrum of human emotion. Sonically, a lot of nuance is delivered in the form of blistering guitar sounds, emotionally resonant vocals, a tambourine that engages with the stomping drum beats. There is a strong element of self-declaration which becomes addictive. The track has a nightmarish vibe and as the melodic guitar sets in, things go from terrifying to beautiful.
As one of the album’s other highlights ‘Liar Liar’ also has pace, energy and emotional depth, it explores feelings of despair, fear and anger with beauty. It is a big tune.
Newtown Neurotics offer authenticity, honesty and truth aplenty, it has already become difficult, if not impossible, to imagine a vibrant music scene without them.
Comparisons to Joy Division will be made but there’s a certain beauty contained on their brutal album that’s akin to the poetic beatings of Whipping Boy. Falling quiet on the piano-driven ‘Dumb’, internal battles simmer through Drewett’s soft growl. Funnelling the fury through darkened beauty, this is a stunning album.
Cognitive Dissidents is OUT NOW!
