Houston-via-Dallas band Narrow Head is often classified as shoegaze, but as the band’s guitarist, vocalist and only original member Jacob Duarte puts it, “I don’t even think I like shoegaze.” He elaborates, “I like My Bloody Valentine, Slowdive, Chapterhouse all the main stuff — but when it gets too on-the-nose, it’s like, I need aggressiveness. ”Released through Run for Cover Records, blast of grungy hard rock that reminds me of Nirvana but with even more guitar. The most “rock” of any record I bought this year and loving it.
“Nobody has riffs anymore,” says founding member/vocalist/guitarist Jacob Duarte when asked about his approach on Narrow Head’s highly anticipated LP due out on August 28th. “That’s the kind of band we are and to me, that’s just how you write songs. Drums, bass, guitar, vocals. Nothing else. There are no other instruments on the record.”
The Houston-based band’s latest entry is the distillation of the greatest moments in 90’s alternative and hard rock with a fresh set of ears, thirteen tracks of their signature brand of bludgeoning lullabies bursting at the seams with creative ideas, new directions and yes, massive, monolithic riffs. In between the sparkle and smash, open-hearted and emotionally naked song writing showcases a core piece of the band’s identity as one of the best releases of 2020.
Delving into deep-seated themes of self loathing, desolation, self-medication, the loss of loved ones and hopeful redemption as the title suggests, a rock-focused LP themed on transition– exploring the vast abyss of darkness just before the sun cracks upon the horizon. Using distorted guitars as their primary vehicle, Narrow Head’s wall of riffs add stark contrast to their best quality– deceptively sweet pop melodies that channel the lessons of My Bloody Valentine, Cocteau Twins, Helmet, Deftones and Guided by Voices all at once.
Released August 28th, 2020
Narrow Head is:
Jacob Duarte
Carson Wilcox
William Menjivar
Ryan Chavez
Kora Puckett
Performed by Jacob Duarte, Carson Wilcox, William Menjivar, Ryan Chavez
The Fat Angel Sings 