Chicago – U.K. duo Nai Harvest is back with LP number two, or what guitarist Ben Thompson calls their “proper” debut. Hairball (Top Shelf Records) is a change of pace for Nai Harvest, previously known for making emo girls swoon with 2013’s Whatever (Dog Knights Productions). Thompson and drummer Lew Currie held on to that lo-fi vibe, but sped things up a bit, sounding way more punkish and garage-rocky. In a recent interview with Best New Bands, Thompson said the speed of the album came from writing quickly on tour, in the van and during sound checks. Thompson’s raw vocals unleash a furry of images thanks to some fun lyrics, while Currie’s fast beats keep the pace for some epic head banging, in songs like “Sick on My Heart.” Whether you see Hairball as Nai Harvest’s sophomore album or their real, honest debut, one thing is for certain, Thompson and Currie created something wonderful!
“Spin” starts the album starts off, with Thompson singing, “I wanna know what the weather’s like in your mind. Let me inside. I wanna live there, if you don’t mind.” Hairball takes the listener on a ten-song journey inside Thompson’s mind: being wild and young, having fun on tour, while dealing with, failing at, and attempting to mend relationships.
“Buttercups” returns. This is the only previously released track. “Buttercups” was the song that first introduced fans to Nai Harvest’s new sound, back in 2014 when it was released on a split EP with Playlounge.
“Sick on My Heart” is as energetic as the album artwork, inciting head banging, jumping, and all-out fun. The few lyrics offered in “All the Time” offer a little insight on Thompson’s true desires: “When you want it all the time. You don’t get what you want every time.” Halfway through, the songs slows a bit, and Thompson sings, “I tell you what I need. I want to be friends. I want to stay friends.” While “All the Time” may sound like a break-up song of sorts, Thompson said this “song is actually about wanting to be on tour, all the time,” so get your head out of the gutter!
“Ocean Of Madness” is the slowest song on the album, and one of the most heartfelt, inspired by friends of the band, who struggled with drug abuse. Thompson’s guitar cries out in sadness. Currie’s tambourine hugs you in comfort. Thompson sings, “Do you know that it never gets better? And you know you’re living in your own hell. Don’t let me drown in an ocean of madness.”
“Drinking Bleach” is a toxic love letter of sorts, but Thompson somehow makes a shitty relationship sound sweet, with his glistening guitar and harmonized “Oooohs” with Currie. “Gimme Gimme” is cotton candy for your ears. With a little extra pitch and saccharine, Thompson sings, “Gimme gimme your sugar joy. I want it. I’ll feel myself. Gimme gimme your sweet noise.”
The album ends with the title track, lots of fuzz, and an ode to 70s Brit rock, with hints of David Bowie and The Rolling Stones between the raucous punk; a nice change, with so much 90s love seeping through much of the album. “Hairball” perfectly closes out the album.
I’m just going to come out and say it: Hairball might just be my favorite album of 2015.
Hairball is available for purchase through Top Shelf Records and iTunes. Keep up with Nai Harvest on facebook, tumblr, and twitter for upcoming tour dates.
Photo of Nai Harvest by Daniel Read
Sarah Hess
After attending The School of the Art Institute in Chicago, Sarah went on to study education at Dominican University, earning a degree in history. When not teaching, writing, or taking in a show, she is most likely to be found with a camera to her eye or hanging out in a darkroom.
You can follow Sarah Hess on twitter at @Sarahhasanh and view her music photography on her website: smhimaging.com.
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