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Narrows

Narrows [7 inch] (2008)
Deathwish Inc.

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Contributed by: Brian
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on November 11th 2008

Narrows might be the west coast’s premier metal/hardcore band given a bit of time. When you’ve got former Botch howler Dave Verellen fronting a band that includes current and former members of Unbroken, Some Girls and These Arms Are Snakes, you tend to have all the proper ingredients for a serious sound.

On their Deathwish-issued, self-titled debut 7", Narrows vaguely recall the parts from which they’re made, balancing a line between warm familiarity and progressive bits of something entirely new. Because of Verellen’s menacing presence, sure, there’s a wee bit of Botch in here, perhaps between the angular firebombings of We Are the Romans and the ferocious grip of An Anthology of Dead Ends.

But Narrows tend to alternate between either side of the dynamic: by providing ultimately heavier and more straightforward fare like opener “Life Vests Float, Kids Don’t,” which uncorks in a wailing manner for its short two minutes; or through throbbing, Neurosis-esque restraint, like on closer “The Touch Test.” If there’s a middle ground, both stylistically and numerative-wise, it’s “Crooked Tongues,” which spends half its four-minute running time repeatedly bashing away in the form of sledgehammer stop-starts.

Even with three songs barely eclipsing the three-minute mark, Narrows have already proved their focus is anything but. Here’s to the 2009 full-length that should provide an expanded example of an already varied sound.

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Life Vests Float, Kids Don’t

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inagreendase (November 17, 2008)

Now let me say thin in essence I agree with the score. But with the way things get rated here... it doesn't make much sense.

I can't really be held responsible for the scores people give other releases.

I'm probably the most conservative scorer on the site. There's about 15-20 releases a year, EPs included, I'd give four stars or higher to.

Thus_Spoke_Sean (November 14, 2008)

giving this a five star rating would do just as much "damage" as the other reviews that are poorly rated/reviewed.

you guys complain about other albums getting high scores and then say this should be unfairly boosted?

"I agree with the score but..." Idiot.

That all being said, this record rocks, cant wait for the full length.

xote (November 13, 2008)

Yeah really of all the HORRIBLE albums reviewed on this site that get 5 stars this gets 3.5????

Now let me say thin in essence I agree with the score. But with the way things get rated here... it doesn't make much sense.

This album is good. The best post-botch related band of them all. Glad to hear that scream again. And unborken were amazing.

inagreendase (November 12, 2008)

3.5 stars? You're kidding.

You've kinda got the geographical bias.

SilentStorms (November 12, 2008)

Bought this as soon as I heard about the band. Too bad I'm in Korea and won't hear it for another 9 months. The myspace tune is fucking awesome though. It's like I have a little bit of Botch again. Score is for Botch, the greatest band ever.

TROOF (November 11, 2008)

Fuck this is good.

Ikari (November 11, 2008)

Worth it for "The Touch Test"

Archangel (November 11, 2008)

3.5 stars? You're kidding.

DrGunn (November 11, 2008)

i need this. score is for botch and unbroken.