Nat Dempsey & The Near Strangers – Run & Hide (2022)
Blending elements of indie-rock to post-punk, grunge and everything in the middle, Nat Dempsey & The Near Strangers are a band difficult to define. Nat Dempsey himself has been performing for approximately six years, yet it was only in late 2021 that he began performing with his band turning heads and captivating audiences. Featured on Clout, RGM, BBC Introducing and iHeart Radio, the UK-based quartet are making some big waves in the UK music scene. Fresh out of university, these bright-eyed gents release their debut single ‘Run & Hide’, and here is what we think about it.
Bouncy and upbeat in a rock-inspired way, ‘Run & Hide’ tosses listeners into a swirl of sound twirling them about in a hazy ambience. Combining pounding drums, distorted guitars and Dempsey’s gruff vocals, we feel a tinge of grunge meets indie-rock in the track. What I find interesting is how the arrangement gives each instrument prominence, particularly in the drum and guitar solos; however, the strong textures and layers bring all elements together in a melodic whole. Moreover, the vocals are almost detached from the melody but, once again, come together in a united whole showing a bold individuality and harmonic soothing.
Yes, you can find yourself twirling about to the abrupt tune, but it is the theme that highlights Nat Dempsey & The Near Strangers’ depth. A social commentary on the political media’s influence on people, ‘Run & Hide’ is intriguing and profound. Using poetic and contemplative lyrics, the band touch on the haziness of living in an uncertain online society, the intensity of social media culture, and the overall effect of wanting to leave it all behind but not necessarily being able to. The lyric “I’m starting to think that the cost of waking up is never going back to sleep” really hit me as I view the overwhelming control social media has on almost everyone.
For more from Nat Dempsey & The Near Strangers check out their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
