Neutral Shirt
2016
(Lost Sound Tapes)
If you asked me to describe it in just one word, I would say that Philadelphia transplant Matthew Terrones’ indie solo project, Neutral Shirt is “FUN.” It’s as fun as songs about topics like loneliness and isolation can possibly be. (And I promise, I’m not being sarcastic.) In this way, Neutral Shirt’s latest EP, 2016, (out now on Seattle’s Lost Sound Tapes) is similar to 90’s emo. Did Davey von Bohlen ever sound sad when he was singing Promise Ring songs? I don’t think so. While 2016 addresses some seriously heavy themes throughout its six short tracks, it isn’t buried underneath them. 2016 maintains enough diversity throughout that it never once feels tired. Instead, it remains upbeat, entertaining, and (surprisingly) optimistic despite its lyrical content.
With its sunny guitar tones and enticing harmonies, opener “Alone Today” recalls lo-fi indie mainstays like Alex G and Elvis Depressedly. “Alone Today” swiftly dances by, while the short, sweet “Put That Phone Away” reassures with the line, “Everything will be ok.” On “Dust On Your Shelf,” Terrones sings “I’m just dust on your shelf.” It’s the kind of song that will appeal to anyone who has ever felt less than (read: human).
On the latter half of the EP, “The Last Time” and “Sometimes I Just Want to Give Up” stand out. “The Last Time” contrasts wistful lyrics against a touch of distortion, peppered with soft, acoustic guitar, and violin that’s only just audible. Terrones packs a lot of emotion and vulnerability into a song that’s just under 2 minutes. In an alternate universe, (Yes, I’ll admit it – I’ve been Netflixing a little too much) “Sometimes I Just Want to Give Up” might be totally depressing, but in this one, it remains the catchiest and most memorable song of the bunch.
Terrones’ greatest strength throughout 2016 lies in how he conveys his emotions. He’s so confident in his delivery, that he convinces the listener (and possibly even himself) that these feelings and emotions are perfectly normal to have. Because that’s all that we truly want in life, right? We want to be heard, feel understood, and know that we are not alone. Thanks to Terrones’ most recent efforts, we don’t have to feel so “alone today.”
Purchase the album here: Bandcamp | Cassette
