Versatile musician, producer and composer Neacal has shared his inaugural album, Stranger From Long Ago, on October 11th, 2024 via Neacal Music. The focus track ‘Another Castle’ premiered with notable tastemaker EARMILK. The first three solo singles he shared from the album were met with critical acclaim. ‘Out of Control’ received support from notable tastemaker NOTION Magazine, while his debut single ‘The Bell’ received support from CLASH Magazine as well as support from renowned Seattle-based radio station KEXP 90.3 FM and National Radio station Radio X. Neacal started his artistic career as the founder of one of the most well-known instrumental progressive/post-rock bands from Eastern Europe, boasting nearly 5 million streams across platforms and tours across Europe and Asia, along with writing original soundtracks for a few video games. The album was written, produced and mixed by Neacal, with co-mixing by Ivan Lubianyi and mastering by the legendary Ian Shepherd (Deep Purple, New Order, King Crimson).
Falling down the rabbit hole of music as a child, Neacal’s path has taken him from learning how to play a violin to eventually exploring the tropes of composition in his teens. Over the following years he delved into instrumental music, crossing neoclassical, progressive rock and avant-garde sonic domains, and finding his new artistic incarnation as an orchestral pop singer-songwriter. In his songs he navigates through trauma, and through resilience and adaptation, his story is a testament to the enduring power of creativity amidst adversity.
Influenced by the brooding orchestral pop of Woodkid, Agnes Obel, Owen Pallett, Neacal’s music is sure to be enjoyed by fans of the cinematic sounds of The Irrepressibles, Cinematic Orchestra and Ólafur Arnalds.
The album features 9 beautifully-arranged tracks. From the ominous strings and captivating drums in ‘Morning Star’ to the playful instrumentation with contrastingly intense lyrics and gripping vocals in the focus track ‘Another Castle’, Stranger from Long Ago is a testimony to Neacal’s prowess as a composer and artistry as a storyteller – a promising first body of work.
Stranger from Long Ago Tracklist
- The Bell
- Morning Star
- Out of Control
- Another Castle
- Twice-Told Tale (feat. Toby Driver)
- Monsters
- Wedding of Ghosts
- Unrest
- Mind Palace