Vince Leigh’s Single Review: Time Has Gone by Neo Stereo
By Vince Leigh (Ex drummer of Pseudo Echo, Tina Arena and John Farnham) of Australian Radio Promotion for Sheldon Ang Media
Mark Cassius, the artist behind Neo Stereo, isn’t here to lull you into a safe, dreamy pop stupor. No, Time Has Gone is a shot of adrenaline straight to the system, a track that grabs you from the jump and doesn’t let go until it’s had its way with you. This isn’t some polite indie pop track trying to blend into your playlist background—this is a song that demands you pay attention. It starts with a two-chord synth intro that’s deceptively simple. It’s like Cassius is laying a trap, drawing you in with something familiar before pulling the rug out from under you. The verse kicks in, and its hooky as hell, the kind of melody that gets stuck in your head after one listen. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is just catchy fluff—there’s a sharp edge to it, a sense of urgency that runs through every note. As the song shifts into the interlude and pre-chorus, you can feel Cassius tightening the screws.
He’s not just playing with structure; he’s bending it to his will, building tension in a way that keeps you on your toes. And then comes the chorus, and boom—it’s like the whole thing explodes into Technicolor. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s got a cinematic sweep that makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of something massive. But Cassius isn’t just going for spectacle. Time Has Gone is more than just a killer hook and a flashy chorus—it’s a track with a heartbeat, pulsing with the awareness that time is slipping away faster than we’d like to admit. This isn’t some vague, feel-good anthem; it’s a reminder that the clock is ticking, and we’d better make the most of what we’ve got. The second verse ups the ante, adding depth without losing any of the momentum. Cassius keeps the energy high, layering in just enough complexity to keep things interesting without bogging down the pace.
By the time the chorus rolls around again, it feels even more powerful, like the song is driving towards something inevitable. And just like that, it’s done. Time Has Gone doesn’t linger or drag out its welcome—it hits hard and leaves you reeling. Cassius isn’t here to waste your time; he’s here to make you feel something, to remind you of the urgency of life, and he does it with a track that’s as addictive as it is meaningful. In a world full of disposable pop, Time Has Gone stands out as something that actually sounds like it matters, and that’s no small feat.
