Review: Simeon Chien

Next up we have a couple of tracks from the multi-instrument-playing talent that is Simeon Chien – and it’s worth saying up front that all of these tracks can be found on his YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@simeonchien3662.

First up is US Rodeos, and straight away it’s impossible not to be impressed by just how many instruments Simeon has mastered. This is an uplifting, spirited taste of summer that flows effortlessly, packed with smart ideas and little flourishes that keep things interesting. A standout guitar and piano run adds a fresh twist, lifting the track without ever feeling showy. There’s a humility to the song – laid back, warm and easygoing – from its jangling rhythm to the enchanting vocal melody. It’s the kind of track that makes a rainy Monday morning feel a bit more like a lazy Sunday afternoon, and you can’t help but nod along.

Up next is the funky attack that is Just Do It, and once again Simeon’s trademark style makes itself known immediately. This track winds and rolls with confidence, leaning into a darker mood thanks to a more downbeat vocal, which works brilliantly when juxtaposed against the tight, funky rhythm section. The chorus lifts everything skyward with a catchy, sing-along melody that sticks fast. The middle eight is a real highlight – an inspired bass solo that feels refreshingly bold in a world where bass is too often buried in the mix. The track breaks down, crashes back into a final chorus, then fades out just as funky as it began.

Two tracks, two distinct moods, and a clear sense of identity throughout. Simeon Chien proves that versatility and personality can go hand in hand – and he does it one instrument at a time.