Andrew Neal ‘That’s Where I’ll Be’: An Uplifting Ode To Finding Escapism Through Nature
Liverpool-born musician Andrew Neal is a singer-songwriter and guitarist, creating music at a crossroads of genres including Merseybeat, Rock and Roll, Folk and Blues.
Following the separation of his former band The Stamp, Neal has been focusing his efforts on building his own solo discography of original music. His latest output That’s Where I’ll Be follows the release of past singles, 2021’s I Won’t Be Living Here Anymore and Paint the Dark, as well as 2019’s Where I Was Born. Neal describes the latest single as a “natural progression” musically from his previous releases, and his “best work thus far”.
That’s Where I’ll Be opens up with the energy already cranked high and a fairly full ensemble, the stomping kick rhythm and blaring brass showcasing a taste of what is to come. This then leads into an up-tempo, toe-tapping verse section, with layered mandolin and an overdriven wah-wah guitar solo (performed by Neal), which returns intermittently throughout, taking on a slightly different character.
A jaunty bassline bounces along with the track beside theatrical piano stabs and multitracked vocal harmonies, which bring a communal feeling, almost like a sea shanty. Lyrically, That’s Where I’ll Be is an ode to finding a sense of escapism through nature, having been inspired by the scenery Neal witnessed in Scotland: “Way out to the water where the ocean meets the sea” / “And if you wanna find me, that’s where I’ll be”.
Slightly reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel’s use of brass and woodwind in In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, the flute brings a youthful, nostalgic, and pastoral sound, mimicking the lead vocal melody and providing harmonies elsewhere. Recorded in Liverpool’s Whitewood Studios, session musicians perform on the track across the brass, flute, piano and drums, the arrangements for which were composed by Neal himself, illustrating his strong vision and creative control across musical elements.
Upbeat and uplifting, That’s Where I’ll Be embraces an eclectic palette of sounds and influences, inviting the listener into the utopian place the lyrics describe. It will be interesting to see if this latest single marks the beginnings of an EP or larger body of work, as Neal continues to build his fanbase and establish a solo discography. Neal’s technical skill across instruments and creative command over his arrangements are certainly impressive and highlight the clear vision he has for his music, continuing the lineage of brimming musical talent coming from Liverpool and reflecting the port’s myriad of influences.
Be sure to check out Andrew Neal and give That’s Where I’ll Be a listen on Spotify now.
Jude Bankier
