With well-enunciated vocals, a wealth of pop hooks and synth heavy melody lines, it’s easy to fall in love with Neon Trees. With their newly released debut album, Habits, the band merges Hockey with The Killers in songs about sexual-longing. The Killers comparison might not be that great of a surprise considering they group first picked up buzz when the Vegas rockers took Neon Trees out on tour for a few dates.
Radio single, “Animal,” gives a good taste into the band’s character. Musically, they start with a hooky intro with big drums and a great cue for clapping along. When Tyler Glenn enters with the vocals, he spirals down the scale, while singing the lines, “Here we go again,” before singing about the routine anguish of falling for someone and being willing to accept any form of love you can get even if it will end in pain or be emotionally unrequited. And just as he says, with the “Here we go again,” this does become a theme on the album. For example, in “Love and Affection,” he sings, “I just don’t understand why my love isn’t good enough.” This album is called “Habits,” so a theme of bad love decisions is appropriate. “Animal” also has some of the best lyrical presentation on the album. At one point, Glenn sings, “You’re killing me now,” but when he gets to “now,” he breaks it into “n-owwww.” By doing this it is like he is saying the “owwww” like he really is in pain.
Drummer Elaine Bradley is a real gem for this band. She seems to favor big drums like on opening number “1983,” but she also knows when to reel it in like on the more syncopated and jazzy brushes she uses on “In the Next Room.” One of the best parts of the album is on the last song, “Your Surrender,” when the bass and guitar drop out and its just her drumming against Glenn’s voice. And as if her drumming wasn’t enough of a great addition to the album, she also lends backing vocals.
“Our War” is the only number that seems to lose direction, as the development section is a bit boring compared to other songs on the album. However, the band makes up for this one dull number by following it with the brilliant “Sins of My Youth.” “Sins” changes up the intro pattern the band usually takes, and Glenn’s voice takes on more of a nasally quality like that of Nate Ruess‘ while he sings with piano and incorporates a fun stutter into the lyrics. As the tune builds up with guitar and drums, the band hits one of their catchiest choruses on the whole album. It also has a killer bass-line right before the “Would you love me still?” section of the tune making this song an all-around win.
These songs are just begging for singing along to, so if you’re ready to be hooked on a new group, check out Neon Trees. Neon Trees is also currently touring with 30 Seconds to Mars.
You can view the Tim Burton-inspired music video for “Animal” below:
Track Listing:
1. 1983
2. Animal
3. Girls and Boys in School
4. In the Next Room
5. Love and Affection
6. Our War
7. Sins of My Youth
8. Your Surrender
