Since bursting onto the scene in 2018, Orange County's Neil Levin has been building a reputation as a pioneer of the ‘jam band’ circuit. Armed with his self-coined genre, 'Cosmic Blues', a vibrant fusion of blues, indie rock, and sprawling improvisation, he has been steadily captivating audiences and carving out his own niche in modern music. Now, he’s championing the release of his latest project, ‘The Nightnoon’, a stellar concept album that draws you in to a new, surreal sonic world.
A Berklee College of Music graduate with a prolific live presence, having played over 100 shows a year, Neil’s artistry is a undeniably illustration of the modern DIY ethos. He's been featured on FM 88.5 The SoCal Sound and has been a staple of the local music community, curating events like Grateful Jam Sundays. His solo discography, which includes the ‘I Want Blue Roses on My Grave’ saga and 2023’s critically acclaimed ‘Cosmic Blues’, showcases an artist constantly evolving while honouring his roots.
Released earlier this month, ‘The Nightnoon’ is a stunning continuation of his journey. Building on the foundation of ‘Cosmic Blues’, the album is a concept piece set inside a mysterious hotel where, as Neil puts it, "check-ins at Midnight and check-outs at Noon." It’s a slowly evolving piece, with each track adding a new chapter to the smoky, noir-tinged tale of music, secrets, and unforgettable nights.
The opening track and latest single, ‘The Nightnoon Hotel’, introduces a noir-tinged tale where a resident musician plays for a cast of characters from gamblers to broken hearts. The album’s songs are not just a soundtrack but a narrative thread, with each track serving as a message, a memory, or a reckoning for the unusual guests.
While the album maintains Levin's signature blend of rock and jazz, it dives deeper into the storytelling, weaving a smoky, dreamlike atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Songs like ‘Hard To Get’ and ‘Reckoning’ offer tantalising glimpses into the hotel's strange inhabitants and their secrets. Through this innovative approach, Levin pays tribute to the classic rock tradition while cementing his status as a musical pioneer.
The result is a full-bodied collection of tracks that invites listeners on a captivating journey. For anyone looking for a fresh take on the blues with a strong narrative heart, ‘The Nightnoon’ is a show they won’t forget. You can stream the new album above via Spotify and for more, be sure to connect with Neil on Instagram.
