Track of the Day: Harker – Wasting Time (2023)
Since 2015, UK-based Harker has been turning heads across the globe with their “emogaze” sound. With two albums under their belt, international tours, support for notable musicians like The Wildhearts, and a strong following in the UK punk scene, the Brighton group is described as “a maelstrom of whirling guitar feedback” (Ear Nutrition), “…a real Seaway meets Jimmy Eat World vibe…” (Mosh), and reminiscent of “…early 1990s punk from the likes of Husker Du and The Meat Puppets” (Punk Online). The latest addition to their discography is the single ‘Wasting Time’.
As with many musical projects, the Covid-19 pandemic brought a pause to Harker’s progression bringing a time of “reassessment and rediscovery, as well as an intense period of writing and recording”. Coming out of the pandemic with a honed, sophisticated and evolved sound, as well as the recruiting of new guitarist Louis May, Harker is back bigger and better than ever. Following their 2021 album, Axiom, ‘Wasting Time’ is the first of several singles to be released by Harker over the next few months.
Recorded at Portsmouth’s Southsea Sound studio with producer Tim Greaves, ‘Wasting Time’ drags us back to the pop-punk/pop-rock sounds of yesteryear. A leaning toward the 90s sounds brings a nostalgic flair to Harker’s music. Yet, while ‘Wasting Time’ takes us to the heyday of pop-punk, a sliver of modern-day rock vibes slithers through the melody. Perhaps this is the foundation of a fresh but highly familiar pop-punk/pop-rock style ala Harker?
A fan of pop-punk and pop-rock, my personal playlists will always have a healthy dose of McFly, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Green Day and Good Charlotte. As with these iconic groups, Harker explores humanity in its rawest form with emotions spread bare for all to see. ‘Wasting Time’ touches on relationships and misunderstandings in broken communication.
“’Wasting Time’ is about the breakdown of communication in modern life – it’s easy to misunderstand and mislead when you only talk through a digital screen. Talk to your loved ones in person, debate face to face, and know when to set your boundaries if it’s not working…” – Harker on ‘Wasting Time’
For more from Harker, check out their official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
