The Breakdown
Glaswegian singer-songwriter Neev returns with How Things Tie in Knots, a stunning collection of folk-inflected indie-pop songs that explore the tension of growing into adulthood. Building on the intricate storytelling of her debut Katherine, this album expands her sound with sweeping arrangements, raw emotion, and melodies that linger long after the music fades.
From the opening track Diane, Neev sets a smoky, reflective tone. The song’s laid-back yet achingly beautiful melody is carried by long, arching notes and sweeping guitars, with warm piano work adding to its emotive pull. The slightly melancholic I Put It in a Frame follows, featuring a more stripped-back arrangement with scattered percussion and gentle backing vocals, while Stubborn Heads takes a more direct indie-pop approach, bubbling along with a singalong chorus that reflects on familial patterns and personal identity.
Musically, the album moves effortlessly between delicate folk textures and more expansive, cinematic moments. The ethereal He Built Himself pairs echoing pianos with sweeping violin lines, creating a haunting atmosphere, while Keep Low strips things back, its rawness and intimacy making it one of the album’s most affecting tracks. There’s Two stands out with its misty, intertwined string lines and irresistible bounce, perfectly showcasing Neev’s ability to craft melodies that feel both timeless and fresh.
Lyrically, How Things Tie in Knots is deeply personal yet widely relatable, reflecting on themes of identity, change, and self-discovery. Songs like My Own Back build from quiet introspection to theatrical climaxes, while An Unspeakable Thing and A Sad Tightrope embrace melancholy with understated harmonies and soaring string arrangements. The closing track, Two Equals, leans into Neev’s Scottish roots with folk-inspired guitar work and a driving drumbeat, ending the album with a sense of motion and resolution.
With How Things Tie in Knots, Neev solidifies herself as one of the most compelling voices in modern folk-pop. Blending intricate melodies, evocative storytelling, and a rich sonic palette, she delivers an album that is both deeply intimate and universally resonant. It’s a record that lingers—one that feels like a conversation with an old friend, full of warmth, wisdom, and beautifully unresolved questions.
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