SINGLE REVIEW: Neely - Water
Seattle-based Neely bursts onto the scene with 'Water', a track that blends indie rock grit with an irresistible groove. As the lead single from their debut album “Feel Like Yourself”, it delivers an instant hit of energy, balancing chunky, rhythmic guitars with a shimmering, jangly edge. The drums snap with precision, sparkling in the mix and keeping the momentum high, while the bass locks everything in with a smooth, rolling presence. From the first note, it’s bright, vibrant, and effortlessly catchy, hitting that sweet spot between fuzzy crunch and melodic warmth.
Vocally, there's a raw, rhythmic quality that ties everything together, leaning into a 90s indie rock influence while still feeling fresh. It’s got a touch of that Teenage Fanclub jangle, but with an added psychedelic swirl that gives it extra depth. The melodies are pure earworm material, easy to latch onto but layered enough to keep things interesting. It’s a track that feels designed to be played loud, whether you’re blasting it in the car with the windows down or soaking up its feel-good energy through headphones.
What makes 'Water' stand out is the way it balances its elements so seamlessly. It’s polished without losing its grit, infectious without feeling throwaway, and packed with hooks without overloading the mix. The interplay between the instruments keeps things dynamic—there’s a looseness to the performance, but it never loses focus. Every hit of the drums, every chunky chord, and every melodic line serves a purpose, feeding into that toe-tapping, head-bobbing energy that makes the song so instantly engaging.
As an introduction to Neely’s sound, it couldn’t be better. They’ve nailed the balance between nostalgia and freshness, pulling from classic influences while making something that feels entirely their own. If 'Water' is anything to go by, “Feel Like Yourself” is definitely worth a listen!
