Neil Halstead is an English songwriter and musician. He was a founding member of Slowdive, and is currently the principal singer and songwriter in Mojave 3, also playing guitar in the band. In 2002, 4AD Records released a solo album, Sleeping on Roads. Following his departure from 4AD, a second solo album, 'Oh! Mighty Engine' will be released by Brushfire Records on July 29, 2008.

In the late ‘90s Neil fronted a band called Slowdive, and after a couple of really good records they split. From there Neil formed his current band Mojave 3, who have released four records to date with a few more to come, we hope. Hard to find two bands with more critical accolades, and at the core of those bands was Neil and his songwriting. Oh! Mighty Engine is the name of Neil’s newest solo record. It is a record that can handle excessive listens and seems to absorb every mood I have thrown at it. It is really hard to find a record that can make you happy, sad, and can make you laugh all at once. This record does that for me. The meaning of this record is hard for me to discern, partially because Neil is very English and mumbles phrases like 'pithy liner', 'dangerous dolt' and other local slang that I have been getting myself caught up with. But the main reason is that Neil has never been blatant or obvious with his words. He writes songs that are very personal to him, and then allows space for everyone to take their own meaning away from his lyrics ('Go skies and thrones and wings. And poetry and things' from the song 'Elevenses'). Neil recorded this record partially at The Solar Powered Plastic Plant in Los Angeles and the rest in his hometown of Cornwall, England. He surfed in the mornings, and drank beer and recorded with various friends in the evening. Neil is an old soul and his newest solo record is exactly who he is. Welcoming, warm, clever and kind. Neil is a current member of Mojave 3 and former member of Slowdive