One night while in the studio with Neil Halstead, a friend questioned him as to what kind of music he played. Neil’s extremely thick beard turned into a smile as he said “Nylon Rock” before laughing and turning back to his beer. I doubt that description offered any clarity to the asker, but to me it seemed perfect: a self effacing term to help him deal with the fact that he, a former shoegazer, was making a solo record and his main weapon was simply a nylon string guitar and a couple of shakers. In the late ‘90s, Neil fronted a band called Slowdive, and after a couple of really good records they split.  From there, Neil formed his current band Mojave 3, who have released 4 records to date with a few more to come, we hope.  Hard to find 2 bands with more critical accolades, and at the core of those bands was Neil and his songwriting. Oh! Mighty Engine is the name of Neil’s newest solo record.  It is a record that can handle excessive listens and seems to absorb every mood I have thrown at it. It is really hard to find a record that can make you happy, sad, and can make you laugh all at once.  This record does that.