Narrow Head: How Good Does It Feel?
As the world began to recover from the initial shock of the pandemic and lockdowns, the first priority for grunge-rock band NARROW HEAD was just one thing: write. With their second album’s release in mid-lockdown, their plans to tour were stopped, and the band weren’t able to live out the usual album release process. This time would be different, and as everything started to open up again, they were able to have a fresh start with a whole new album; Moments Of Clarity.
We sit down with vocalist Jacob Duarte to discuss this, and he says, “The fact that we had the opportunity to make an album during that time, it was kind of inspiring. We couldn’t do anything with 12th House Rock, and we recorded it in 2018, so it had just been sitting for two years. By the time it came out, we were ready to do the next one.”
The motivation for NARROW HEAD‘s third album was there from the beginning, with the whole band dedicated to making it something they could be proud of, and fully experience. If nothing else, it was finally something to do after doing nothing for so long. Switching up the process was the introduction of Kora Puckett, NARROW HEAD‘s newest guitarist and songwriter. Jacob says, “they were already involved, so it was already an easy dynamic. I guess the writing process will be a lot sicker now that we have five people, all of us on the same page.” While the initial writing process was relaxed, it accelerated when the band got in touch with Sonny DiPerri, the album’s producer. They wanted the making of this album to be pre-planned and purposeful, so they spent some time in pre-production before recording. Jacob explains, “this was the first album that we flew out of town for, like we went to LA to record, and that’s the first time where we’ve ever done that. The label helped out with it, so it was like a real album process.”
Moments Of Clarity wasn’t only fuelled by NARROW HEAD‘s simple need to write, and a new-found optimism was an important element. Jacob explains, “it was just a different time of our lives. We’re just older now, we’ve gotten through things, and it’s not as dark, because things just feel better. I guess that reflects on the album, it makes it a little more hopeful.” While the album isn’t overwhelmingly positive, it does translate contentment and understanding, something the band have found in their maturity. The title is an important factor in this, summing up the multiple realisations Jacob had when writing, that while life could be difficult at times, ultimately, he wanted to live through it and experience it.
For this album, NARROW HEAD weren’t aiming for any sound specifically, or really trying to change anything, but it did end up more on the grunge side. “It’s just like the natural progression of our music.” The actual process, on the other hand, was more organised and scheduled. The band lived in LA for two weeks, and dedicated their time entirely to recording, and “actually getting shit done.” On their second album, 12th House Rock, Jacob says, “it was an idea that was overthought, and I don’t know, it’s not my favourite, but it’s cool. It just lost whatever flame it had.” This time around, they were determined not to let that happen, and Jacob explains that for Moments Of Clarity, they, “did a lot more extra noise, and we got better at the song structure. I figured out lyrics for us that make a good NARROW HEAD song. Every time we do something, we learn from it, and just gain from there.”
In another complete contradiction to their last album cycle, Moments Of Clarity came out when the band were in the middle of a tour. Jacob explains, “to see the reaction to it in real time was cool, and everybody seems to be into it, so it feels really good so far.” While it seems like it could be daunting to see the reception from their fans in person, the band took it pretty much in their stride. “I preferred it that way because we were already in the mix of things, like we were already on the road no matter what.” This was a factor that helped make the album process even better this time, especially because touring is one of the band’s main motivations.
As is obvious in the album, NARROW HEAD are feeling delightfully optimistic, and undeniably proud of themselves. Jacob says, “I think it’s the best thing that we’ve done so far,” which is the kind of simple certainty that should come with the release of a new album. Confirming that statement is the message behind Moments Of Clarity, and everything the band hope that their fans will take from it. “It just says that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. If there’s any message, it’s that everyone in their lives at some point will get hit with some moment of clarity. Sometimes it’s too late, but everyone will take something from it, I hope.”
Moments Of Clarity is out now via Church Road Records/Run For Cover Records.
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