CAREFUL – Get In Her Ears

A record to cry, kiss, or dance to; Boy Harsher’s latest album Careful is a heated, heartfelt affair. Full of beats designed to ricochet around dark dance-floors or lonely bedroom walls, the Massachusetts duo blend nostalgic 80s percussion with sharp modern production to create an immersive, magnetic listening experience.

Formed in 2014, Jae Matthews and Augustus Muller released their first EP Lesser Man in the same year, and their sophomore record Yr Body is Nothing in 2016. Country Girl followed in 2017, and now the pair explore their “morose pop sound” further on their latest release. Named after the seemingly prophetic tattoo that Matthews has across her back, Careful smolders with a brooding, lusting aggression.

Inspired by traumatic personal experiences – the breakdown of a romantic relationship, losing a parent to debilitating illness, and a chronic fear of losing control – Boy Harsher offer a momentary glimpse in to their seething world via minimal electronics. The cinematic ‘Keep Driving’ opens the record, with whispered vocals and moody stretched out synths that could score a jaded night-ride, or an escape from a crime scene.

Hazy electronics, sultry vocals and 80s inspired beats combine in hypnotic style on ‘Face The Fire’, before the elusive ‘Fate’ bleeds in. It’s four minutes of off-kilter synths, breathy vocals and dance inducing beats. Grand synthesizers announce the arrival of next track ‘LA’, whist the throbbing synths and pounding beats on ‘Come Closer’ are intoxicating. It’s easily one of the strongest tracks on the record. ‘The Look You Gave (Jerry)’ flows in the same vein, before the punchy percussion on ‘Tears’ changes the pace. The track’s buoyant rhythms contrast well with the ominous, dramatic three minute interlude ‘Crush’.

Penultimate track ‘Lost’ meanders for just shy of five minutes, before the eponymous ‘Careful’ closes the record. It’s a brief affair with a mysterious voice sample, artistically book-ending this collection of alluring, seductive sounds. Whilst at points Boy Harsher’s Careful may may feel repetitive, it’s hard to deny the record’s flirtatious, infectious nature. Make sure you catch the band at HEAVEN on 27th February.

Order your copy of Boy Harsher’s Careful here.
Follow the pair on Facebook for more updates.

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Hazy electronics and sultry vocals combine in hypnotic style on Boy Harsher‘s new single ‘Face The Fire’. The Massachusetts duo have shared the track alongside the announcement of their new album Careful – set for release on February 1st via their own imprint Nude Club Records – as well as US & European live dates.

Described as “a wild ride that celebrates feelings of abandon whilst mourning attachment and love” Boy Harsher’s Careful sounds like a heavy but heartfelt listen. If new track ‘Face the Fire’ is anything to go by, the band’s new record is going to be full of beats that ricochet around dark dance floors, or lonely bedroom walls.

The single’s accompanying visuals were created by band member Augustus Muller, and present “the trappings of classic Goth culture in a serious, yet irreverent way”. Together, Augustus and Jae Matthews have overcome many obstacles to maintain Boy Harsher’s cool sound, and ‘Face The Fire’ is another example of their ability to succeed even when the odds are stacked against them.

Watch the video for the new single below and follow Boy Harsher on Facebook for more updates.

Boy Harsher 2018 EU live dates (with Kontravoid except those marked #):
21/02 Hamburg, DE – Turmzimmer
22/02 Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg
23/02 St. Maló , FR – Route Du Rock #
24/02 Bristol, UK – Lanes
25/02 Leeds, UK – Wharf Chambers
26/02 Manchester, UK – Soup Kitchen
27/02 London, UK – Electrowerkz

Pre-order Boy Harsher’s upcoming album Careful here.

Photo Credit: Samantha Casolari

Kate Crudgington
@KCBobCut

Tag: CAREFUL

ALBUM: Boy Harsher – ‘Careful’

Track Of The Day: Boy Harsher – ‘Face The Fire’