The sound of the early 80s synth rock infancy is kept alive and well by Brooklyn’s The Harrow. Juno-style brass and flute pads, and TR-808 style electronic drums soon give way to open note guitar chords on “To A Figure,” the opening track from their self-titled debut EP. Muted, mechanized percussive thuds, reverberated snare cracks and mournful vocals all point toward an affinity for the early output of bands like The Cure, Bauhaus and The Human League. Vocals are sung in a falsetto range and drenched in enough reverb to make Alan Vega of seminal NYC industrial band Suicide happy. “The Fall” develops this approach even further, almost sounding like an outtake from the Cocteau’s seminal debut album “Garlands,” while “Milk and Honey” is the most successful track in combining the band’s sonic weaponry, with a bit of Sisters Of Mercy’s gloomyness thrown in for good measure; its automated percussive pulse and driving bass guitar provide solid foundation for the ethereal vocals. – Dave Cromwell
This band submitted their music for consideration here.