The title track from the EP, “27” opens the project with the simplicity of a stripped down guitar and Neiles emotive vocals. Sharing the tale of recognizing his old ways no longer served him, the song was written with the 27 Club, a group of celebrated musicians and actors who passed away at the age of 27, in mind. Drawing a unique parallel between the informal group and the release of different aspects of himself, Neiles wears his heart on his sleeve as he confesses his aspirations for growth. With significant emotional weight, the stripped back song features a repetitive chant “we all die someday”, recognizing the finality that comes when letting go of different behaviours. Drawing inspiration from the Billie Eilish song, “Happier Than Ever”, Neiles creates an emotional impact with sparsity in the instrumentation of the song, allowing the listener to focus on its lyrical detail.
“Gasoline” marks a pivotal mid-point on Neiles journey, where the artist finds himself attempting to implement a shift in his behaviours, yet routinely sabotaging his growth. With a fiery dose of Grunge-Rock, Neiles puts his vocal dexterity on display alongside an explosive dose of electric guitars and a driving drum beat. Written by production duo the Renaissance and Alan Poettecker from These Kids Wear Crowns, the song flawlessly weaves its instrumental impact points to coincide with the message of the lyrics. The final track on the EP, “Outgrow”, is a high energy combination of Rock’s guitar driven, melodic focus, Pop’s range of emotive vocals, and the amped up pace of Power Punk. A high octane ode to the sting of rejection, Neiles penned “Outgrow” after ending a fling and discovering he had developed unreciprocated feelings. After a period of reflection that helped him realize he had outgrown less serious relationships, the artist set up instruments in his home and began his very first foray into music production. With a Pop-Rock lens, Neiles brings the song to life with a commanding guitar riff, booming drums, and growling sub-bass.
Revealing a courageous quest for personal growth, Garrett Neiles fearlessly presents an intricate musical narrative with his sophomore EP, “27”. His unwavering commitment to his artistic vision encapsulates a transformative journey that resonates with authenticity, resilience, and the enduring spirit of self-discovery. Leaving a resounding impression of evolution, and growth as a person and an artist, Neiles’ latest collection of work offers a new angle of his creative and personal depth, drawing in listeners with a relatable journey of becoming who he wants to be. Filled with life lessons, the revelations of his innermost fears, discomforts, hopes, and attempts at change, “27” paints the picture of an archetype who serves as a mirror to both himself and society, leaving listeners in awe of Neiles personal and musical metamorphosis.
“27” will be available everywhere on October 27 2023
