Sheffield two piece Nai Harvest continue the current Yorkshire trend for scuzzy punk influenced indie rock alongside Eagulls and Menace Beach.
Second long player Hairball builds on their debut Whatever, but adds some muscle and meat to the bones to create this melodic, hook riddled trip through these ten tracks.
Despite being only two members, guitarist and vocalist Ben Thompson (22) and drummer Lew Currie (24) and in a similar vein to rock darlings Royal Blood, they create a wall of sound that belies their age and numbers. Best friends Ben Thompson on guitars and vocals and Lew Currie on drums have put in the hard yards touring relentlessly, and I’m sure hoping for a little luck that Royal Blood have enjoyed recently.
There’s no reason why Hairball should not bring more recognition to Nai Harvest as it’s an intelligent mix of power, scuzz with harmonies and hooks.
Melanie and Buttercups are fine examples of this, proper grown up sing along rock songs you want to play over again, while closing and title track Hairball finishes the album with power to an adrenaline rushed conclusion.
It’s fabulous stuff, and you should be able to catch the live act at a town near you in 2015 as their relentless touring schedule continues.
Keith @keithsmith4082
9/11
'Hairball' out 28 April via @topshelfrecords