NARROW HEADS AUS DEBUT @THE ZOO, MEANJIN

The stick of incense burning in front of the foldback on the zoo’s stage stung my nostrils as I awaited Narrow Heads set. It’s Monday night, I’ve had a 2-day long migraine, but I’m persevering - why? Because Narrow Head is playing, on a Monday night and I haven’t shot live music in 5 weeks. It’s the band’s first AUS tour, and as any person with a heart would - I was hoping it wouldn’t be an empty room…I was warmed to see a strong turnout, of a mostly younger demographic - showing up and supporting not only Narrow Head, Hanoi Traffic, and Peace Ritual, but The Zoo in its final weeks open. 

Coming off the back of Sydney and Melbourne, (from what I heard, were rowdy and energetic), Brisbane delivered a slightly more observational show, with singer Jacob Duarte remarking, ‘It’s quiet out there!’ - Honestly, I think it’s because we were taking in the blissfulness of seeing such good music on a cold Monday night overlooking a dead valley street. It was an aberrant circumstance, but definitely made for a memorable one. If anything the anomalous vibe worked in tow with the band’s sound…the melancholic qualities of the music drew out the best of the environment and came together in its own accidentally idyllic and grunge-graze way. Their most recent album ‘Moments of Clarity’ essentially sums up my last 12 months circling the sun, (marking a personal triumph of mine), it felt serendipitous on its own merit, a tidy nudge from the gods of coincidence on an already curious few days. Personal filler here.

A couple of technical snags held the set up a little & at most riffled a feather or two, but as we approached the halfway point, the energy shifted gears, guitars were cast aside and direct energy was channeled into the core of the 58 in Duarte’s hand. Carson Wilcox’s drumming was a particular standout for me - I’m typically less drum-driven, and more zoned in on words, and vocal melodies (I am the way I am) but the in-pocket effectiveness of Wilcox’s drumming drove the set for me as I found myself locking into his rhythm almost exclusively. Dangerous territory when trying to provide an all-around review, but I was locked and loaded with each fill and stroke. Years of full-on touring have made this band exceptionally tight live and yet their rawness is not lost in that, if anything, it’s more pronounced. An organic quality, one that proves its genuineness to the bone.  A 90’s revival sound - Reminiscent of Helmet, Deftones, Hum - with a new vitality and clear devotedness, I’m on the Narrow Head train and I pronounce ya’ll stop sleeping on it. I’m predicting a surge and return. I don’t accurately predict things unless it’s astrology signs, the weather, tour announcements, the contents of a wrapped gift, what someone’s favourite flavour of shape is, etc…

What a way to soothe a migraine, what a way to spend a Monday before the surge of nausea overtook - I am thankful for Narrow Head and Wavyland for bringing this voltage to our town and allowing me to document it for my own self-indulgent reasons. The next time you’re unsure what to listen to driving to work or sitting on the bus, Narrow Head will help you pass the time comfortably.

Locals Hanoi Traffic, and Sydneys’ Peace Ritual opened the night with contrasting yet engaging sets which made for an overall W.