“Partying, dancing, and rock n roll. That’s precisely what the Neybas provide.” — MTV Online Hello, Earth is the sixth album from Connecticut based Alt-Americana-Classic-Rock-Jam-Band Neybas (pronounced “NAY-bahz”). Hello, Earth is an eclectic, sunny, and socially conscious LP, with a mix of rock genres, including funk, jam, ska, and alt-rock. Neybas’ music is lively and danceable, reflecting the sounds and vibes of the music of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
For decades, Neybas have been a favorite in the northeast. Their mix of hooky, upbeat original material combined with “deep cut” cover songs, helped them win a large following, multiple readers polls, and inclusion in The Essential Western New England Songbook. As an acclaimed live act Neybas has played with such artists as Georgia Satellites, Tom Snyder, Joan Osborne, Rick Derringer, and Ratt. Lyrically, Hello, Earth is concerned with the many facets of the human condition (“Certified Human. No AI” the cover proudly proclaims).
Both grounded and lighthearted, Neybas touch on everything from political consciousness to love, to history, to the possibility of human colonization of other planets, all backed by the band’s signature party-ready sound. Suitably, the album’s musical style is as varied and lifeaffirming as its lyrics, forging a sound that’s simultaneously classic and contemporary. “Live It Up” is a rowdy ska number about partying and enjoying life, followed by “Billionaires,” a tongue-incheek alt-rock song encouraging the ultra-wealthy to go to Mars so those of us who appreciate Earth can enjoy the planet without them.
The interplanetary theme continues on “Mission Control, Are You Receiving?,” which flips the perspective to that of a lonely astronaut pining for home. “Road to Mississippi” recounts the campaign of the Freedom Riders, re-examining their story and courage from a contemporary context. Hello, Earth is an album for the energetic and the introspective, the sound of a legendary live act skillfully translating their sound to recording.
Musicians:
Kevin Bornstein: Bass, Vocals, Nicholas “Toad” Eckert: Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Vocals, Emmet Hale: Drums, Vocals, Greg Marshall: Keyboards, Russ Waesche: Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Lap Steel, and Pedal Steel Guitars, Mandolin, Vocals. With: Alex Giosa: Percussion, John Bolduc: Additional Vocals, Percussion. Producer: John Bolduc. www.Neybas.com
