The Wild Side of Night Life

For the past four years, Alan Palomo (better known as Neon Indian) has been traveling across America and staying at quite a few crash pads. The end result is VEGA INTL. Night School, which is likely his most anticipated album yet. This is the first time Palomo has truly experimented with a singular theme in his work. The theme here is night life, specifically in the Los Angeles area. He explores the darker side of that life through funk, pop, soul, hip hop and reggae sounds. In the end, this is a whirlwind of an album and it will likely go down as being Neon Indian’s most experimental one to date. It’s safe to say that this one will be talked about for a long time to come.

Several of the strongest tracks on VEGA INTL. Night School have already been released as singles. Among those is the song “Annie,” which is the first full length track. This has an 80’s pop meets reggae vibe to it that manages to leave a positive first impression that sucks listeners in right away.

Following this track is the eccentric “Street Level,” contains many sounds which are somehow created in just one track. It’s an explosive and almost overwhelming combination, but Neon Indian pulls it off with his keen focus on immaculate production values. The lyrics are difficult to completely understand, but the music is the main focus. The track has a fun and light vibe, and the intriguing sounds reflect that.

“Smut” starts out with various voices talking in the background followed by funky synthesizers that cause listeners to want more of that creative sound. This track in particular will likely draw comparisons to Prince due to the higher falsetto Palomo reveals in his vocals.

After several tracks filled with synthesizers and unique melodies, the album comes to a close with the live bootleg track, “News From The Sun.” From the very start, the track doesn’t feel like an ending but more of a beginning. Neon Indian ultimately sends the message, “Tangled up in the arms of the night, but just wait for the light, and hear the news from the sun.” It’s a non-traditional pop dance song that feels like it came right out of the 80’s.

VEGA INTL. Night School is one of those albums that will likely stick with listeners long after they put their headphones down. It is also an album that can hardly be completely uncovered with just one listen; it craves for repeated listening. Alan Palomo has managed to show the world that his version of night life has a world of funky beats that somehow blend together in one collective and memorable release.