Search - Neil Daly :: Fight the Fuzz Bars

Fresh Alternative

Reis | Chicago, IL | 03/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Daly's ability to produce a lyrical and musical blend at such an early stage in his musical career is unparallel. This album is a great starting point for new fans and a perfect lead in for his next album, "Sleepwalkers," due out later this year. Keep a keen eye and ear on this artist."

New Artist Offers True Alternative

Rex Marine | Valencia, CA | 02/18/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In today's music industry climate of over-produced bubble gum pop, and so-called "alternative" one-hit wonders, along comes "Fight the Fuzzbars" by singer/songwriter Neil Daly to offer a true alternative. When the radio offers nothing but disposable singles by bands you have never heard of, and more than likely, will never hear from again, Neil Daly desires to be more than a flash in the pan. "Fight the Fuzzbars" presents listeners with a scarcity in modern music: a complete and accessible album written and performed by a talented songwriter/musician. Everything from solid guitar riffs to lush orchestration to captivating melodies is featured on an impressive debut by this exciting new artist. On the surface, most listeners will be taken in by the pop-sensibility and instantly engaging hooks and riffs of "Fuzzbars", but what appeals most is the lyrical quality and continuity of the album, both in theme and caliber. From straight-ahead rockers like "Caterpillar" and "Dark Me" to ballads touching in their simple sentiment like "Heaven Sent" and "Meet You Half Way", "Fuzzbars" maintains a coherence from one song to the next with its earnest lyrics. Even with experimental songs like the fratricidal "Gray Room", and the whimsically melancholy "Nereid" thrown into the mix, "Fuzzbars" seems almost to be a theme album. Its wistfulness speaks of someone at a crossroads. Someone not sure which way life is heading, and grappling with the anxiety of what lies ahead and the pathos of leaving something behind. Underneath the heady array of silvery guitars and dulcet melodies lies a voice expressing bittersweet truths of the soul. With his ability to speak so intimately through his work and connect so deeply with his listeners, Neil Daly transcends the term "musician" on "Fight the Fuzzbars" and truly achieves the status of "artist". (The preceding was taken from the Winter 2000 edition of "In the Groove" magazine.)"