:: Joe Neptune - No Time To Grow Up

Joe Neptune

The quirky, sneaky duo that are Joe Neptune have reaffirmed my love for good old folk music - this light and airy collection of sweet, insanely likeable songs traverse knee slapping, arm crooking upbeat shenanigans, cute love songs moving to more subdued, ambient and reflective pieces with a country twang. A side project for Nick Vorrath and Jarrad Brown from the Custom Kings, simplicity and raw, untouched sounds seems to be the law by which ‘Joe Neptune’ lives his music making life by. It is a refreshing change, a stroll rather than a run and it works – well. I found myself unconsciously bobbing my head to the cute beats whilst travelling public transport on more than one occasion, much to the amusement of my fellow passengers. The clean, crisp melodies paint pictures of bright summer days, lazing about on the grass with someone special. There’s no confusion or chaos; just simple guitar, honest to-the-point lyrics garnished with meaningful messages. It works so effortlessly; sneakily, almost feeling like a harmonious accident. ‘Name Of The Father’ sung by Jordie Lane commences with the calming sound of rain is an absolutely gorgeous number, Lane’s voice a pleasure to experience and a welcome addition. Stand out tracks include ‘Make It Happen’ and ‘Drift Away’. It’s different and fun, at times preachy and at others, cheeky. It’s all in good fun though, this album is your best friend who gets drunk and seduces your sister on Saturday, then goes to church in the same clothes on Sunday. My advice? You do the folky pokie and you turn around – and buy this album.