Neon Lies - Loveless Adventures

I find it hard to believe that it has been nearly four years since we reviewed Neon Lies debut self-titled album on Cosmic Brood Records in 2016. Since then, Neon Lies also known as Goran Lautar has released two more albums II (2018) and Loveless Adventures  (2020) and a very rare 7" record Silenced/Sons and Daughters (2017) limited to just ten copies, all unique. Neon Lies' history is rooted in the Croatian DIY punk scene. This was the foundation for what Neon Lies was and now is. We see a slight yet noticeable shift from the proto-punk Suicide influences of the first two albums to a more lo-fi raw breed of minimal dark wave manifestations creeping into the sound layers on Loveless Adventures. There were certainly hints of this shift in sound on II and the subsequent releases leading to where we are now.

Neon Lies demonstrates a clever ability to manipulate the sound just enough the past isn't lost. It's a building block that leads to a form of repackaging, a natural correction or perhaps a planned evolution. Admirers of the previous releases will certainly not feel alienated at all. There is a creative appreciation that spans through Neon Lies' history that finds a peaceful coexistence with the present day influences and experiences. Loveless Adventures is a deep dive into solitude, loss, happiness, sadness and many other emotions that have been amplified due to the forced solitude and the emotional rollercoaster that took off early this year as we started living in a new world with new rules brought on by a global pandemic. 

Structurally, the music has a multilayered approach that feels quite minimal in the forefront yet emanates a lot of crafty synth work and programming by channeling many influences that give life to the current state of Neon Lies' ever progressing sound. Trying to classify this into any one genre would be a tough order for anyone. That in itself is the reason why this album is so good. To hell to with genre pigeon-holing. It serves no purpose here other than to shatter the prospective listener's expectation one way or the other, although it is hard not to think of Alan Vega and Martin Rev while listening to any of Neon Lies' work. Their influence is here. Perhaps it's very blatant in some places while not so much in others. Although the Suicide influence is still here, there are plenty of other influences hard at work here to make one hell of an electronic album blending the foundations of minimal synth mixed with moody lo-fi darkwave and proto-punk. Unleashing some repressed emotions dealing with love, loss, drugs, solitude and other human frailties then add some musical maturity and your destination is Loveless Adventures.

Every track contains the essential ingredients to pique your interest. The secret ingredients are the intangibles and the intrinsic approach Goran follows to complete the smallest of details in each of the nine parts to amplify the bigger pieces. This approach takes a solid track and makes it a memorable one as well. Goran's vocals have an echoing cold and distant character almost as if he was performing his vocal duties deep within an underground irrigation pipe or cave. His voice is not overbearing. It sits perfectly within each of the tracks. With his style of music, the vocal strategy is very important to the music and vice versa. It simply would not work any other way without altering the overall emotion commitment the album wants you to experience. 

Play the album through a few times. You will soon understand why this album is Neon Lies finest achievement to date. It will certainly contend for a lot of those top ten spots we see towards the end of the year. If you are not familiar with Neon Lies yet, do yourself a favor and explore Goran's offerings. Everything is available digitally. Loveless Adventures can be purchased from varying places since there 5 or 6 labels involved in all of the releases. Besides digitally, there are vinyl,cassette and CD options to satisfy the needs of those that require it. 






May 09 2020