Review: Neon Heart ‘Gå på tå’

When I reviewed Soderut, the fourth full-length album from Stockholm, Sweden’s experimental prog kraut rock collective Neon Heart, back in 2023, I was already anticipating a swift follow-up, eager to be once again immersed in their singular sonic landscape. However, it would take two excruciating years for me to be truly enveloped and captivated by their magnetic, enveloping, mesmerising, and transcendental sound, a profound creativity that harmonises deeply through both their vocal and musical expressions.

Indeed, there is an inexplicable alchemy that occurs within me whenever their compositions fill the air, a powerful current capable of unequivocally lifting my spirits, even as an undeniable melancholy pervades every single track, absorbing me relentlessly into its beautiful depths. This unique blend of sorrow and elevation, so masterfully crafted by these five fine gentlemen, makes their music not just an aural experience but a profound emotional journey unlike any other.

After a two-year vigil, the long-anticipated album, Gå på tå, finally graces us with its presence, arriving not with a sudden fanfare, but with the gentle, almost imperceptible touch that its title, which translates to ‘On tiptoe’, so perfectly embodies. This quiet unveiling isn’t a surprise, however, for its essence has already been magically whispered into the collective ear, preparing us for a journey rather than an abrupt destination.

The creative process itself spanned a poignant period, commencing its delicate work after the release of Söderut in January 2023 and continuing steadfastly until April 2024, when the sessions concluded following the departure of saxophonist Daniel Borgegård Älgå, necessitated by family reasons and distance. From a rich collage of 76 recorded pieces, a meticulously curated selection of just ten tracks now forms the heart of this collection, each one a testament to the depth explored during those sessions.

From the very first notes of Hur tänkte jag (How was I thinking?), you are drawn into a whirlwind of experimental jazz that feels both overwhelming and deeply moving. The song wraps around you like a cosy blanket, evoking sentimental feelings that linger in the air. Transitioning to Svårt Att Ta(Hard To Take), the music shifts to a captivating hypno-robotic rhythm, elevated by Johnny Karlsson Kern’s soft yet powerful voice that enchants listeners with every phrase.

As Vägen (The Road) unfolds, everything falls into place; your heart vibrates with its steady beat, guiding your thoughts and spirit to new heights. Magnus Nordén’s drumming is a mesmerising blend of delirium and relaxation, creating a backdrop as the other instruments swirl around in perfect harmony. Together, these tracks create a unique soundscape that invites you to explore the depths of your emotions while also providing a sense of calm and clarity.

In a stunning twist of rhythm, Har Du Tagit Nånting? (Have You Taken Anything?) embarks on a cosmic adventure where Kern’s ethereal vocals soar high above the stars, accompanied by Älgå‘s soft flute, creating a gentle yet haunting atmosphere. The quirky, manipulative keys weave through the collage of sound, inviting listeners to lose those who listen in the enchanting journey.

the experimental kraut and prog rock elements come alive, showcasing the band’s unique ability to blend genres and emotions seamlessly…

As Drömmen (The Dream) unfolds, the experimental kraut and prog rock elements come alive, showcasing the band’s unique ability to blend genres and emotions seamlessly. With Tur Att Jag Lever (Lucky I’m Alive), the pulse of life resonates through intricate rhythms, while radiant melodies sparkle like constellations in the night sky.

Finally, Mina Dagars Slut (The End of My Days) fills the air with an illuminated beauty, where the flowing sound of flute, bass, and guitars meld perfectly with the rhythmic caresses of the drums. Kern’s captivating voice guides this cosmic exploration, revealing a master storyteller who enchants every listener’s ear with a tale of wonder and discovery.

Now, the question lingers: what connects these ten tracks? What unifying thread weaves them together into a single and intriguing picture? The album offers no definitive answer, no explicit narrative to bind them. The connection, if it exists, resides within our own interpretation, a subjective experience shaped by individual memories and emotions.

Listening to Neon Heart is like stepping into a dream where light and shadow dance together. Each song carries a weight of melancholy, yet there is a peculiar beauty in that sadness. It felt as though the music was speaking to a part of me that yearned for understanding and solace. As I dove deeper into the album, I could sense their intricate melodies and harmonious voices merging into a heartfelt symphony that tugged at my soul. With every track, I found myself lost in reflections and reveries, where the world outside faded away, and my concerns felt lighter.

The group has a gift for crafting soundscapes that blend with the complexities of life, balancing joy and sorrow effortlessly. The transcendent quality of their music is what captivates me most. It’s as if each note holds the ability to uplift my spirit while acknowledging the layers of grief that accompany existence. Their songs envelop me in warmth, wrapping around my thoughts like a comforting embrace. Even during moments of sadness or introspection, I find strength and hope embedded within their melodies.

Neon Heart‘s art has a profound ability to connect with every beating pulse and beautiful mind, turning personal struggles into communal experiences. In a fast-paced world full of distractions, their music provides a sanctuary, grounding me and reminding me of the beauty that exists in vulnerability and emotional truth. Gå på tå becomes a canvas for personal projection, an invitation to find meaning and resonance within the silence between the notes. It is an album that asks you not to search for the band’s intention, but to discover your own within its gentle embrace.

Label: Independent
Band Links: Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Instagram

Scribed by: Domenico ‘Mimmo’ Caccamo