Photo Credit: Lily Ajaib
Words: Sophie Eley

Few debuts capture their own title quite like Good Neighbours’ ‘Blue Sky Mentality’ does. From the opening notes, London duo Oli Fox and Scott Ferril make it clear that this album is built on optimism, energy and the kind of restlessness that comes from wanting more out of everyday life. Across 14 tracks, Good Neighbours craft upbeat, synth-driven indie pop that turns the ordinary into something cinematic.

The album opens with ‘Keep It Up’, a track that immediately captures the duo’s essence. Sun-drenched synths and bouncing percussion make it feel like a burst of sunlight, the kind of song that makes you want to roll your windows down. ‘Skipping Stones’ follows with an equally infectious hook and the line “nothing but blue skies in my head,” summing up the album’s spirit of optimism. These earlier tracks set the vibrant tone which is persistent throughout. 

Beneath the brightness, Good Neighbours also demonstrate genuine depth. ‘Ripple’, written for a friend experiencing grief, wraps heartfelt lyrics with bright melodies. It is moments like these where the band truly defines the scale of their production. ‘Kids Can’t Sleep‘ captures the anxiety of the world around us but turns it into something restless and alive. That balance between joy and awareness runs through the record, giving it height without ever slowing it down.

Romance and human connection threads naturally across the tracks. ‘Found U/Me‘ captures the sudden clarity of meeting someone who changes everything, its chorus both immediate and memorable. ‘Starry Eyed‘ embodies the thrill of first encounters, while ‘Left Hand Man‘ is short, sun-soaked, and intimate. ‘Walk Walk Walk‘ maintains the album’s momentum, showcasing the duo’s confidence and control over their sound.

Several tracks take a more reflective turn. ‘Suburbs’ examines the bittersweet process of leaving home, while ‘People Need People’ celebrates solidarity and friendship with a slightly more measured tempo. Although hidden beneath the dreamy exterior, these deeper moments reward Good Neighbours thoughtful songwriting.

Penultimate track ‘Wonderful Life’ stands out as the album’s emotional peak. The track begins softly with piano and percussion before evolving into the anthemic expectation that the duo have perfectly moulded. The album closes with ‘The Buzz’, the most contemplative of the tracklist. It is a measured finish that allows the listener to reflect on the album’s highs while taking note of its emotional depth.

‘Blue Sky Mentality‘ is a debut that confidently announces Good Neighbours’ presence. Every track carries warmth and honesty, even in the busiest moments, making it hard not to love. The melodies stick, the hooks linger, and the production gives each song the room to breathe. It’s a debut that rewards repeat listens and proves Good Neighbours are a band with heart, vision, and plenty more to give.