Album Review: Narrow Head – Moments of Clarity (Church Road Records/Run For Cover Records)

Alt/grunge heavyweights Narrow Head return with their third album, Moments of Clarity, released via Church Road Records (UK/EU) and Run For Cover Records (RoW) on the 10th of February 2023.

Moving, melancholic and meaningful music, Narrow Head dig down deep on this new record. Crafting a spiritual experience that is relatable and honest. Given the time to expand and allow their creativity to flow, the result is vast, but intensely listenable.

That aspect coming from their intriguing blend of alternative rock, moody ambience, grungy groove, and anthemic choruses. The combination crystallising perfectly in the mind to give a sense of euphoria. Even if it’s tinged with a beguiling level of emotion.

It’s that which remains once the album is done though. The strong sense that Narrow Head put their all into this album. Twelve tracks that hit impressive highs and memorable lows, starting with the mood-altering The Real and transitioning into the empathic rock groove and melodic twinges of the title track. Before Sunday conjures up more relaxing rhythms, with bursts of sunny riffs and consistently crooning vocals.

That’s as sweet sounding as it gets with Narrow Head and things take a darker and more monotone with Trepanation. Slightly uncomfortable, extremely captivating. Which also applies to the heartfelt Breakup Song, where Narrow Head’s earlier snippets of melodrama become more prominent. Yet, it doesn’t feel forced or lacking authenticity. Such is the impressive depths that Narrow Head are willing to share with the listener.

The feelings Narrow Head create with this album only heighten as it goes on. The foot-tapping grunginess of Fine Day, the swaying groove of Caroline, the eclectic The World, and the heavier and faster Gearhead. All good stuff from Narrow Head, managing to hold the attention as things reach their apex.

One hell of an apex too as Flesh & Solitude is a hooky devil of a track. One that really gets stuck in the mind and continues this higher level of intensity that has started to come from Narrow Head.

Followed then by The Comedown. Which pushes their sound to even more thought-provoking and deep-feeling territories. A track that just happens to be the longest and the most dramatic sounding on the album.

Before the fuzzy and buzzy sounds and effects of Soft to Touch end Narrow Head’s Moments of Clarity in unexpected and unusual fashion. No complaints though, as it ensures this album is kept interesting right up to the end.

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