ALBUM REVIEW: NEONshe – Butterfly

’…an appreciation not only for your own present, but all of the ups and downs that lead you to that person you are…’

Life for NEONshe has been something of grand adventure in recent years. Having started her musical career whilst living in Japan, the DIY pop princess released her debut LP ‘J-POP’ in 2021. A commendable release, ‘J-POP’ saw NEONshe bringing together sounds of j-pop, bubblegum pop, dance, and even chiptune in a colourful sonic celebration.

After a combination of COVID and personal circumstances placed her back in her home country of England, NEONshe worked alongside an array of collaborators to explore the boundaries of her sound. Then over the past year, NEONshe has been able to return to Japan, and commence work on not just her sophomore record, ‘Butterfly’, but an accompanying e-book entitled ‘The Star Mindset’.

‘Butterfly’ takes a look behind the rainbow curtains at the vulnerabilities, uncertainties, and journey of self-discovery that lead to the birth of NEONshe as a creative being. The free-spirited and joyful nature of her previous work remains present, but is now gently contrasted with a far more introspective approach, and musicianship that feels more subdued in tone, yet no less enjoyable. 

If ‘J-POP’ was a colourful firework display of her musical influences, then ‘Butterfly’ is NEONshe truly honing her own sound. At sixteen tracks and fifty five minutes long, it could potentially have been a bloated and bland pop mess. Instead NEONshe takes you on the journey she took from her lowest point to a state of joyous self-actualisation, and packs in a cohesive yet varied sound that perfectly pulls her influences under a single banner.

‘Spirit’ is a startlingly understated introduction to the album. Rich bass tones and rolling percussion weave a compelling rhythm beneath the vulnerable, feathery vocals of NEONshe. It’s a perfect foundation to build the record from, with NEONshe stripped down to naught but her own spirit; it is a dark place, but one from which one can rebuild however they wish. 

From there, the album flows perfectly through soaring pop anthems and subdued dance-tinged bangers. The bridge segment of ‘Free’ is truly gorgeous, weaving subtle yet rousing brass into the mix, before returning with classical Japanese styled instrumentation. ‘Seasons’ remains a glorious effort from NEONshe that perfectly encapsulates this entire album era. Bittersweet lyricism is layered atop a backdrop of gently thumping synths, whilst the gorgeous vocal work builds with a euphoric intensity.

‘NEON’ explodes forth as a glittering anthem of defiance, singing of finding joy in one’s own perceived flaws, and learning to love yourself regardless of what the world may say. The central ‘neon’ vocal is superbly catchy, pulsing with a sparkling danceable energy. On the opposite end of the spectrum exists ‘Running Out Of Chances’, which is a vulnerable and surprisingly visceral documentation of NEONshe’s battle with chronic pain; the glittering pop background belies a genuinely powerful and painful performance. 

‘Sunshine’ and ‘Never Let Me Go’ make for  a perfect duology of loss and moving on, and the beautiful sense of growth that can be found in this pain. The slow acceptance of the transience of life is a constant across this record, and how NEONshe pieces together the songs on this album only serves to amplify that tenfold. Without the turmoil, there is no growth, and the butterfly never emerges; without being forced to endure what she has, from bullying in her youth to debilitating chronic pain, the NEONshe that she herself has come to love would not exist. 

By the time the album arrives at its celebratory poptimist closing statement ‘Kyoto’, which sees NEONshe having returned to Japan with a newfound appreciation for her art and herself, you cannot help but feel as though have grown to know her closely. ‘NEONshe’ is more than just a moniker; it’s a celebration of all of her flaws. 

Furthermore, you’ll perhaps find that some of her ‘star mindset’ has rubbed off on you; an appreciation not only for your own present, but all of the ups and downs that lead you to that person you are. NEONshe’s willingness to step out from behind her own carnival of light and expose her own vulnerabilities and struggles makes ‘Butterfly’ a beautifully cathartic record. 

RATING: 83/100 – Very Good

For Fans Of: Olly Alexander, MIKA, Lady Gaga, Anamanaguchi, Carly Rae Jensen

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