After months of hiding, which has entailed the latter part of the year polishing the edges of their debut effort, Buffalo New York’s Head North have finally come out of the smoke with the debut EP, titled Arrows.
The title-track signals the start of the record, from the bold claims of “we swore we’d break this world in two”, Head North lures listeners into their own parallel. Precision is evident throughout the record, connecting the bridging sentiments of growing up and musical tones which narrate the themes. This is evident in the transition from the aforementioned track as it launches into “Stay Young”, which is self-explanatory in projecting the common notions of being oblivious to the value of being young. Vocalist James Celeste mirrors the arc and trajectory of the soaring guitars, continuously overwhelming listeners throughout.
“See You Next Tuesday” starts off with the distinct tone and rich depth of Celeste’s voice, with a choral-esque vocal harmony that accentuates his tone. The song is laced in a nineties-esque alternative rock sound that would’ve been prone to constant rotation on college rock radio decades ago.
Musically, “Arrows” is ambitious, latching onto a broad scope of sounds. “They Made Me Do It” is an example of the band's expansive sound that delves into the streams of darker tumultuous waters. Unfortunately, “They Made Me Do It” is dragged down by the lackluster lyrics, however sonically the song is redeemed slightly by the stripped section in the last chorus, which is bridled with unrestrained melancholia.
On “You’re A Knock-Out, Kid” Head North grant a nod to the strains of hardcore-influenced pop punk with its ruckus brief stomps of double bass and chromatic hardcore-esque riffs. “You’re Knock-Out, Kid” is a vast contrast to “They Made Me Do It”, brandishing an infectious poppy sensibility, which highlights just one of Head North's musical shades.
“Act Your Age” draws the record to a close, where the band outstretch their hands collectively to nose-bleeding heights as a last chance to show the divine excesses of their world. “Arrows” is a thoroughly ambitious effort, engaging with a range of sounds, however the largest downfall on the record is the lack of lyrical creativity, which stands as the anchor of the material.
Tracklist:
1. Arrows
2. Stay Young
3. See You Next Tuesday
4. They Made Me Do It
5. You're A Knock-Out, Kid
6. Act Or Age
RIYL: Uh-Huh Baby Yeah!, Yes Virginia
Rating:
Written by Aaron Akeredolu
