At this point, the guys in Narrowed are time-tested veterans of the Vegas music scene. Their sound has evolved from angsty pop-punk to exquisite experimental punk rock that could only come from top-notch players like themselves. On to Something Else, their much-anticipated debut full-length, finds the band running on all gears, and with their hibernation period coming to a close, they are eager and ready to tear heads with this astonishing 11-track record.
Today we are bringing you the new single, perfectly titled “Spiritual Fingerblasting.” This rocking three-minute song is a prime example of the level of craftsmanship that has gone into this record, which will be available on March 25 and is available to pre-order now on Bandcamp.
I asked Charlie [bass, vox] and Sam [guitar, vox] Blasco a few of questions about the process of recording this album, the work that went into the songs, and what the future holds for them.
First, off, great work on the music video for “Let Me Off the Planet.” Where was it recorded and with who?
Thank you! We shot it at Midnight Warehouse, Twin Cities’ new spot in Henderson, and the camera and light work was done by our friend Spencer Burton who we met through LV Weekly, and it was edited by Tim Harbour.
Why did it take so long for a Narrowed full-length to finally see the light of day?
Tell us about it! It was strictly our call. We weren’t willing to release something that wasn’t to our standards and it took a lot of messing around and moving around to get everything where and how we wanted it.
I know On to Something Else was recorded in several different studios. How was it working in new environments like that?
Not preferable. Haha. However, everybody we worked with at Camel Hump, Casa de Duggan, and National Southwestern @ 11st Records was very passionate and put a lot of effort into making us sound good.
If we had it to do over again we would would’ve done it all in one place in a fraction of the time. That being said, we’re happy with the way it turned out.
Is this album being self-released?
Yes.
Did any new influences or revelations occur to the band in the time it took to record this album since your previous split release, or was there already a clear vision of what the album would sound like?
Absolutely. Ian Floyd not only joining the band, but being able to write really well, and bringing some different sounds was a big part of shaping the album. This has been the most collectively written work from Narrowed to date. Lyrically, we had a very nihilistic and hyper-realistic, if not pessimistic, outlook and once the record was done we didn’t really feel that way which is interesting. It was very real at the time but in keeping with the theme of the record, we’ve already moved on.
You’re all astonishing players, but I noticed OTSE focuses more on the vocal melodies instead of the technical guitar playing. Was that a conscious choice?
It’s funny you should mention that because with the exception of a couple songs, all the music on the record was written first. The songs themselves have never been more technical. These songs are also a product of jamming over several months, so when it came time for us to write lyrics and vocals, the melodies were very much hinged on the instrumentation.
As for me (Charlie), I definitely have to thank Parker Hunt from Oranges for sitting up with me many late nights running through vocal ideas and telling me what was good and what I could do better. You da homie.
The title, On to Something Else, is it indicative of any changes coming to the Narrowed-world soon?
“We’re coming for you and we’re taking everyone with us.”
Where do you see the current stage of the Vegas music scene and what part do you think Narrowed can play with this release?
The Vegas scene is the fucking hottest of the hot right now. We got Illicitor, Oranges, Alaska, Firewater Folklore, Twin Cities, Spokes, and so many amazing bands. We think this album is pretty fucking cool and we think people are gonna like it. We’re focused on getting back out more than anything else.
What’s next for the band?
We’re playing the Fremont Country Club show of Neon Reverb on March 12 with our older, cooler step-brothers in Illicitor along with God’s America, China, Big Business and thee fucking Melvins! That shit is crazy. Get your tickets here: http://www.ticketfly.com/org/6145. Shouts outs to Ronald Corso.
We’re announcing a late spring run with some friends from Oregon in the next few weeks and we’ll be announcing a bunch more tours for summer, fall, and winter.
Want more details on Neon Reverb? Head over to http://www.neonreverb.com/
-Alan Madrigal
Narrowed photo by Hunter Wallace
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