Today we are featuring the sensational work of artist McNeil feat. Tom Bedlam. The duo is back with another mind-blowing collection of 12 tracks that certainly defy the entire genre of music itself. We got a special sneak preview of the album titled Icarus (follow up to their previous hit ‘Coming Out Alive’) and were amazed by the dazzling tones that the artist has put forth in it. It starts with Hold Your Head Up High, which is a sizzling anthem with conventional arrangement yet evocative lyricism. She Said (one of our favorite tracks) starts with a guitar intro that has a nice build-up, and then the raw vocals by the artist grip us and take us on an audacious vocal journey. The drums are minimal but extremely effective. After that, the arrangement takes on a quality of a modern rock anthem that is hard to forget. Especially the lyrics when the vocalist sings, “she said don’t be afraid to do it alone… I’ll be the one to show you good times…” and the guitar taking over after gives a thrilling effect—an exceptional trait from the songwriter.
Don’t Fade Away gives a slight creative trajectory—toned-down guitars and vocal tonality subdued to give a more moody vibe. The lyricism is deep, and add to that the rawness of Bedlam’s vocals that adds a feeling of glee that is potent. Highly addictive, this song signifies the importance of music in one’s life. The fleeting moments of life and the value of loved ones are significant. And this song kind of makes our heart delve into some deeper realm of our own hearts. Held Your Hand seems like an ideal midpoint junction track in the album. As if taking a break from the auditory sojourn of life, this song signifies looking back over life, those memories and the time spent in the past which doesn’t exist anymore but which provides a reflection—inner realm of tenderness.
Icarus the title track is where everything comes together. The song is an amalgamation of the entire album, which undeniably showcases the true artistry of McNeil feat Tom Bedlam. While we listen to this track, it feels like an ideal concert’s signing-off song. The journey is what matters, the value is in those experiences that one has had, and the element of love that joins us all. The artist is a master when it comes to providing a deep and passionate musical offering. It is definitely hard to predict if this is a creative mind’s creation or songs stemming from one’s life experiences. It seems it’s a mix of both, as without the experience it is hard to create the vocal tonality that it creates smoothly. Either he is a proficient vocalist who has the ability to imitate deep emotions and convey that through his voice, or he is singing these with flavors and moods sprinkled from his real-life experiences.
Overall, we are thoroughly impressed by this second album. An artist who seems to have a lot to offer musically, and that too consistently and with innovative knack, is hard to find. Their another strength lies in using conventional-style songwriting and converting it into their own system so as to draft a more intimate relationship with listeners and fans.
Two bonus songs from the album, Holding on and Beautiful Unplugged, are worth listening! They add a fine musical tuning and create a more indelible listening experience. We highly recommend this album, and it is now streaming on Apple Music.
About the artist: Daniel McNeil, 42, is a songwriter whose lyrical style draws deeply from the introspective grit of Oasis, the anthemic drive of Stereophonics, the raw energy of Linkin Park, and the melodic soul of The Beatles. His writing blends classic rock foundations with a modern edge, creating songs that speak to struggle, hope, and human connection. Fronting the vocals and shaping the sonic landscape is Tom Bedlam — an evocative singer and gifted music director whose voice captures the heart of each lyric with emotional clarity and power. Together, they form McNeil feat. Tom Bedlam: a collaboration built on storytelling, sound, and soul.
For more details visit: https://music.apple.com/ae/playlist/icarus-feat-tom-bedlam/pl.u-6mo4lG3cBP4LbyJ
