'From The Inside' "Neil Higgins's 'From the Inside' is somewhat of a personal exploration, but it's not, thank heavens, one of those stream of consciousness rants that so typify many contemporary singer songwriters. The lyrics are sometimes personal but they are always forthright and absolutely accessible. He charts his own individual course; a journey that in the end tells us a lot about the bloke himself. This, his debut release, reveals Neil Higgins as a talented songwriter and lyricist; one who seems to be unafraid to tackle issues most of us would rather ignore.
That alone merits some real attention." - Pat Drummond"Warm, honest and unpretentious folk songs that grow on you after a couple of listens.
He writes about his immediate environment, about kids and women and the places he knows,
about the state of his soul. He asks questions and ponders a few solutions, observing the passing parade with touches of celebration, resignation, humour and occasional righteous indignation.
It's all delivered with a light, friendly voice, some spare, able and lilting playing, floating harmonies, and an engaging spirit". "I'm just an ordinary man trying to make my way" he sings.
Not that ordinary." - Glenn A. Baker
"In this fine collection of songs, Neil Higgins explores a broad range of issues from the intensely personal such as "In My Mind "to the biting social commentary of "The Anthem".The tounge in cheek humour in the live version of "Give Yourself a Kiss" is a good balance to the more serious songs on the album. Neils singing is strong and clear and emotional without sounding too sentimental.The harmonies are used sparingly and enhance the lyrics whenever they are used. The arrangements are varied while retaining an acoustic flavour. The piano and flute provide good instrumental variation in Hobo or Hoodoo. "Bathurst to Byron Bay" is a strong folk rock track sometimes remeniscent of The Bushwackers or early Redgum.This lyric tells the story of the many who have left the oppressive Southern city life for the slower pace and warm climate of Northern New South Wales. The arrangements are sympathetic to the lyrics and never detract from the importance of the lead vocal. In "Man's A Fool" the tasteful use of contrast between crystal clear acoustic instruments and heavy electric guitar power chords drive home the message that contempory society has lost it's way. Riding Free is a travelling love song with some tasty Knopfleresque guitar and strong female backing vocals which make this one of the most powerful tracks. The accapella singing in "The Anthem" is the standout vocal clearly and persuasively setting out his case for a national anthem and a flag of our own.The song celebrates our individuality while at the same time facing our failings. The final track "From the Inside" is a reflective song about inner feelings, making an appropriate statement to end this fine album with much in it for the listenner whether from an instrumental or lyrical perspective. The cover artwork has a strong Australian flavour and the booklet is generous and informative.Thoughtful lyrics like this benefit from being printed in the album notes because you can read them and digest them at your liesure ." - Hugh McDonald
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Kerry Nettle
Australian Greens Senator for NSW Australian Senate
16 January 2004
Dear Mr Higgins,
Thank you for your album "from the inside" and the accompanying letter. It is inspiring to see you incorporating your political views into music to be enjoyed by all those who see you perform or listen to your album.I would also like to applaud you for donating a percentage of the album sales to Plan.
Your album and especially " The Anthem" puts into song many of the issues the Greens are campaigning for in parliament and in the community. The Australian Greens strongly support Australia becoming a republic and developing our own unique identity. We also agree that all Australians should recognise and respect Indigenous Australians as the original occupants of Australia and their unique cultural relationship with this country.
I felt that your sentiments in "the Anthem" which recognised that our nation's contemporary population is a result of immigration, were particularly well expressed. The Greens, as you are no doubt aware, also share your deep concerns about our government's shameful treatment of refugees.
I wish you the best of luck with you album because you are putting into art many of your views that are indeed shared by the Greens. Thank you again for your sharing your album with me and in donating to the children and families in South Africa that are affected by HIV.
Sincerely,
Kerry Nettle
Australian Greens Senator for NSW