After an exciting 2021, Dublin-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Neil Dexter has released his new single ‘Alpha’.Since releasing his debut single ‘Loving You’ last year, Neil Dexter has been featured on The Point of Everything podcast, 98FM’s Totally Irish hosted by John Barker, The Nova Guestlist presented by Kieran McGuiness and BBC Radio Ulster’s Across The Line, hosted by Gemma Bradley. 

‘Alpha’ ripples with lush sonic embellishments, delicate melodies and soft moments of 80’s pop to create an utterly compelling listening experience. Brooding verses pivot around elastic bass pulses while supple psychedelic tones ebb and flow throughout. Dexter’s vocals are a joy to listen to; his voice oozes warmth and tenderness however at times it is haunting, deep and brooding. This vocal dynamic is greatly enhanced by the soft, intricate textures within the track’s soundscape. ‘Alpha’ is a beautifully expressive tune and an exciting glimpse into the artistic mind of Neil Dexter.

Lyrically, as with his previous releases, growing older and gaining new perspectives on friendships, relationships and life anchor the subject matter of his songwriting. Of ‘Alpha’s’ meaning Dexter says: “When I wrote this song, I was processing a specific time where I felt a great sense of isolation within a social setting. I’d been at a party a few years ago where I didn’t understand the various dynamics and felt completely estranged from the people and the situation. I couldn’t figure out where I fit in the group on that occasion. I think part of getting older sometimes involves becoming detached from or struggling to understand the foundations of certain friendships. Structurally, the verses reflect the paranoia I experienced that night before the tone of the song shifts during the chorus with the soaring falsetto delivering the refrain, “What happened to you?” I wanted to create a tension and release dynamic throughout ‘Alpha’ to convey that feeling of isolation. “

Stream  ‘Alpha’ below 

Author: Danu