Neil MacLeod- Settle

Each month we shine the spotlight on one SoundGym member by reviewing one of their tracks for our Music Spot feature. This month we focus on 'Settle', by @Neil MacLeod, a singer-songwriter from Wellington, New Zealand.

McLeod has seven self-released records to his name, and 'Settle' is the closing track from his 'Sonder' EP that was released at the start of November this year. 'Sonder' is 'the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own' and the fact that McLeod has given his EP this title hints at the lyrical depth, and thoughtfulness, that is at play here.

'Settle' is a melancholic stab of regret for lost love, centered around the lines 'I thought I had this, settled you for years and years'. The song is built upon a piano part, around which gentle, swooning electronics glide. McLeod's Jeff Buckley-esque croon swoops overhead, as the track builds towards a final repeated refrain; 'the chill still remains'.

From a production standpoint, the track shows admirable restraint, holding back on the bass and backing vocals until the halfway point of the track. The holding back of these elements allows for a real sense of dynamic range to be created. This in turn, highlights the drama of the track very effectively.

You can listen to the entire 'Sonder' EP on McLeod's Soundcloud page, and explore his back-catalog over on his Bandcamp. If you like what you hear, give him some support over on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.