Music Review - Lying to Myself
Andrew Neil’s “Lying to Myself” is a rock anthem about one man’s journey to spirituality and inner peace.
Though lying typically has a negative connotation, it was a lifeline for Andrew Neil. His new single with TIEZZI, “Lying to Myself” is an alt-rock retelling of how Andrew protected himself with positivity and “lies” throughout his battles with psychosis, depression, PTSD, and cancer until he realized that these lies are masked spiritual truths.
The song starts with upbeat drums and electric guitar, reminiscent of 90s grunge and indie alt rock. The first lyric, “Walkin’ on the railroad tracks/ I have a cross on my back,” illustrates the singer as a martyr for all he has gone through. His journey resonates with anyone who has struggled with depression. “And I slept all day/I tell myself it’s okay” he sings. But what’s unique about this song, compared to other grunge songs, is that “Lying to Myself” puts a positive spin on the lies we tell ourselves.
“Lying to Myself” is a semi-autobiographical saga of Andrew’s struggles. “It is a song that basically extolls the attitude of being positive no matter what life throws at you. I’ve ‘walked on railroad tracks’ before in search of peace and truth and I suppose ‘Lying to Myself’ is a reflection of that journey,” he said.
Andrew Neil began writing songs in 2009 after a traumatic brain injury unlocked his creative capabilities. He was hospitalized again from 2014 to 2017 after a psychotic episode, and again in 2019 when he was diagnosed with cancer. Like Kurt Cobain, Andrew allows his challenges to inform his art. As with many great musicians of our time, Andrew Neil is a testament to how some of the best art comes from suffering.
TIEZZI front man, Travis Tiezzi, met Andrew Neil through his brother Kyle. Tiezzi was so impressed with Andrew’s songwriting that the two decided to collaborate. Hence, “Lying to Myself.” TIEZZI and Andrew both release music through Ray Maternick’s label, Tree Heart Records.
The song’s rhythm centers on the structure of the chorus. “Lyin’ to myself it’s alright,” Andrew sings as TIEZZI’s background vocals echo “It’s alright” and “it’s alright now,” with a funky cadence that pair Andrew Neil’s pervasive positivity with his varied musical repertoire.
In “Lying to Myself,” TIEZZI and Andrew Neil create the ultimate percussive catharsis. The chorus is catchy and passionate, uniting the musicians through mental illness, self-consolation, and music’s power to heal.
The amazing thing is, Andrew Neil has no musical experience. He does not read music, and simply plays what he hears in his head. musicians. From Mozart and Vladimir Horowitz to Jimmy Hendrix and Bob Marley, Andrew’s musical inspirations are diverse and complex. “Lying to Myself” demonstrates Andrew’s commitment to musical fusion, a grunge rock melody with soulful touches and optimistic messages.
“Lying to Myself” is produced in collaboration with Tree Heart Records and is streaming on Spotify, Reverb Nation, and Youtube. For more Andrew Neil, check out his previous albums Code Purple and Freak. You can also follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for performance and release updates.