Double Single Review: Never Enough & What You Want

Auckland based musician and audio-engineer Ralph Engle has been busy over the lockdown period, collaborating on a couple of songs remotely. He’s just released two singles from a “work in progress” EP entitled Souvenirs. Hot off the press is a soft rock single called Never Enough, closely followed up by the jazzy sound of What You Want.

The level four lockdown in NZ, has resulted in some incredible collective virtual projects. These two songs are no exception. Ralphe enlisted the talents of musicians, David Haslett , Daniel Hawkes and Angus Grainger, who helped record and produce Never Enough in a matter of days. Additional expertise was provided by Ellamy Studios.

A worthy mention is also the art concept on the cover. Hand drawn from local NZ artist Tim Ingle.

Never Enough was first off the ranks, released on the 25th April. A lyrical, soft rock number with melodic guitar riffs and unique vocals. A warm, wistful track which really grew on me. A more downbeat and reflective track compared to the second single release What You Want.

Four days after the release of Never Enough and only into the second day of level three came What You Want. Adding to the mix of musicians is Stallone D’Souza on keyboard for this track. This is a more buoyant and cheerful sounding song than the last a jazzy, soulful sounding single with a smooth funky vibe. Superb mixing from Ralphe has created a clean fresh sound.

These two tracks showcase Ralphe’s ability as a songwriter.

This is a solid start to the impending EP, and with four other tracks in the making I look forward to hearing the finished result.

“We can achieve almost anything as humans, even whilst isolation and testing times. We can still stay kind and portray beauty in this world. One person being kind to another at a time, through unique individual contributions and talents.”