U Neon Family shares the power of “LOVE”

Joe Boettger has spent years writing songs that didn’t quite fit the mold. As the frontman of J R Casterfish, his work leaned into rock, but not every idea belonged there. Some songs needed a different shape, and that need became the foundation for U Neon Family, a recording project built for articulating what was otherwise unsayable in a different format and vibe.

U Neon Family isn’t a traditional band. It’s a studio collective, anchored by Boettger on keyboards, Grov “GT” Tigue IV on bass, and Tiger White on drums. Teyonee Reed shares lead vocals with Boettger, and the guitar work rotates between Daniel Peter, John Marsh (Marchewitz), and Dave Staub, depending on the song’s tone and texture. Other musicians are brought in as needed, always to realize the song’s full potential.

Their first recording together was a cover of Chet Powers’ “Get Together,” followed by “Bethlehem,” a Christmas song written by Boettger and sung by Reed, and the group’s latest release, “Love.” 

Boettger wrote “Love” years ago, and an early demo was recorded with hired musicians, including Tiger White on drums. That version was technically complete, but it didn’t land. It sat unreleased while Boettger continued writing, performing, and slowly connecting with the musicians who would form the core of U Neon Family.

The final version of “Love” is a piano-driven, upbeat ballad with a strong soul undercurrent that gives the track a really genuine and nostalgic feel. There is not an ounce of cynicism or pessimism in a single note or word in the track, but neither is it saccharine and shallow; instead, it feels like the warm embrace of a theme song from everyone’s childhood, bound by musical mastery and sealed in good memories. If you needed a pick-me-up track, really look no further.

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