Narrow Head - 'Gearhead'
Alt-grunge heavyweights Narrow Head embrace solitude on their tumultuous new release, Gearhead.
The U.S. rock quintet, formed in Texas by vocalist Jacob Duarte in 2013, have been going from strength to strength since the release of their debut album Satisfaction. Their upcoming project, Moments of Clarity (available February 10th) via Church Road Records, promises the listener a melancholy soundscape of emotion that builds on their previous work and takes their usual themes to a deeper, more personal level. Indeed, many of the core themes built on Satisfaction and their critically acclaimed 2020 release 12th House Rock, such as loss and desolation, are built upon in their new release.
Moments of Clarity beautifully pairs nihilism with passion, with the songs bubbling with brutality, yet always underscored with cautious optimism. Sonny DiPerri, who recorded, produced and mixed the record, manages to take Duarte’s carefully constructed vision and lift the sound, transforming the album into a celebration of what makes Narrow Head so special. Indeed, before recording, the band spent time with DiPerri in Sherman, Texas, refining the record with razor-sharp precision to create a soundscape they could be proud of. Their meticulous effort is notable when listening to the single, Gearhead, with the addition of Kora Puckett as a permanent band member (Puckett was previously a touring guitarist for the group) positively adding to the overall atmosphere of the tune.
Gearhead sums up what makes Narrow Head one to watch. The single starts with brooding guitar riffs with an undercurrent of rage that explodes into a cacophony of bass and drum beats. Controlled chaos oozes throughout the track, with moody, wistful vocals interlacing with a driven guitar backing. Raucous yet understated, the single is reminiscent of the earlier work of the 90’s alternative metal band Deftones. The track is heavy, yet it’s beautiful, and it has a fantastic music video that compliments the tune perfectly – Gearhead is sure to become an instant classic amongst Narrow Head fans.
So, what’s next for the band? With the highly anticipated Moments of Clarity due for a February release, it seems 2023 will be a big year for the group. After a successful North American tour, Narrow Head will be back on the road with White Reaper this February – for more information, head to https://narrowheadtx.bandcamp.com/.
Words by Tabitha Wilson
