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Single/Download Review

The Artificial Harbour
The Artificial Harbour EP Self-Release

Article written by Kev W - Jun 3, 2015

Going on the evidence of this EP from The Artificial Harbour, you'd have to describe them as a catchy indie/guitar-pop band with the odd darker and more experimental moment, but nothing too off the wall. Which makes it somewhat puzzling that German newspaper 'FAZ' decided to describe them as "neohippies". Either the rest of their material is quite different or someone is getting a bit mixed up. Formed in northern Italy, it was just a short hop across the border for the quintet to set up home in the more musically fertile grounds of Vienna, although they keep things as DIY as they can, self-releasing records, arranging gigs (including some major festivals in Italy, Austria and Germany), as well as keeping all their artwork in-house.

'The Artificial Harbour''s lead track and single is 'Don't Let Me Drown', a punchy indiepop song with a sing-along aspect and distinct potential for radio play. Had certain bigger bands released it then we'd perhaps all be familiar with its bright demeanour and memorable chorus. It seems designed for summer, but maybe not quite as much as the even better 'Summer, Yo!' which switches between downbeat verses and rumbling, chiming, euphoric sections. There's a clear anthemic appeal and it's a real grower. On the shimmering, stumbling 'Greenfields' we're shown a slightly moodier side to the band, but it's still accessible and somewhat reminiscent of certain Kinks tracks. Fans of physical formats will be pleased to note that the CD version of the EP comes with bonus track 'Somewhere In The Dark'. As the name might suggest, here we see The Artificial Harbour slipping out of the sunshine and offering a more brooding and ambitious finale. There's definite potential for bigger things.

Links:
http://www.theartificialharbor.com/
http://www.facebook.com/theartificialharbor
http://theartificialharbor.bandcamp.com/album/the-artificial-harbor