Following the positive reception of their debut single “Ghost & Shadow” in late 2019 (see the video below), UK melodic post hardcore / rock band SEEK HARBOUR jumped straight back into the studio to perform a DIY cover recording of “Sorry (I didn’t know)“, originally performed by garage artist Monsta Boy. This year, re-focused on the development of original material, and spending time on perfecting a follow up single “Sleepless Water”, which was released at the end of August, their work started to gain a wider audience. Today, under the UK’s Saviour Management umbrella (IMMERSE, JOOLS, THE YOUNG HEARTS) SEEK HARBOUR are back in the studio, writing lots of new material and getting ready for their new chapter as a band. We have teamed up with their guitarist CJto give you a special commentary on both singles, other bands recommendations and a special list of 10 tips for looking after your mental health during the current pandemic crisis.
SH are big believers that instrumental arrangement can often be as emotive as lyrical content – we try to reflect the demeanour of the song initially through the composition. We also tend to write about things that are personal to us, but theyβre also topics/questions that hopefully will be relevant to most people, and we always hope the majority can relate to – i.e. scenarios that make us happy/we struggled to come to terms with etc. This will normally stem from one members memoirs, and then the rest will chip in with their own perspective.
They are never as generic as subjects as like heartbreak or love, and big respect to bands/artists that write in this more βinstantly accessibleβ fashion – we simply like to deal with more specific situations. Additionally, whilst the topics are personal, we wouldnβt ever want to call anyone out using the bands platform, rather – we opt for imagery/metaphor instead.
Ghost & Shadow addresses the (unfortunately far to prevalent) darker elements of co-parenting; focusing on the fears of an estranged father, the emotional struggles of not being allowed to see your child, whilst vocalising the positive undertone that the family member is still βof your bloodβ, and always will be.
Contrastingly, Sleepless Water depicts something that most people will (unfortunately) suffer with (to varying degrees) in their lives – addiction.
In this instance, the potentially damaging effects of alcohol abuse.
Knowing something/someone is bad for you, but feeling as though itβs too big of a mountain to climb. You put it off for another day, only to repeat that process indefinitely – until itβs arguably too late. As mentioned above, the band are big on imagery – and as were lucky enough to live by the sea here in the UK (other than Loz who is a city slicker) – itβd be fair to say our surroundings play a big part in the metaphors used in this track.
Thoughts on COVID-19
πβπππ π‘ ππππ¦ ππ π‘βπ πππ‘π βππ£π πππβπ‘ππ¦ ππππππππππ π‘βππ‘ ππ’π π πππ‘ππ π€ππ π‘βπ ππππ π‘ π‘π π π‘ππ, πππ π‘βπ πππ π‘ π‘π πππ‘π’ππ – π‘βπ ππππ πππ πππ ππππ‘ππ’π ππ π‘βπ ππππ‘ πππ£π ππ’π ππ ππ πππππππ’ππ‘ π‘π πππππππ‘ππ‘π ππ‘ π‘βπ ππππππ‘.
We are happy & eternally grateful for the fact that our recorded music may offer someone a few minutes of solace during this uncertainty/isolation, in the same sense that other recorded audio has helped us get us through the somewhat βtougherβ times that we are all experiencing.
Whilst the sustainability and survival of venues is a major concern for everyone in SH, weβre using this time to write some new tracks, which we canβt wait to share with everyone in a live capacity – as soon as it is safe to do so.
Continued below…
SH Top 10 tips for looking after your mental health during a global pandemic – because its important
1. Donβt be afraid to reach out and talk to somebody (Sincerely – if you feel like you donβt have anybody, you could always drop us a snail mail [[email protected]]). We struggle to shut Edwin up at the best of times, so be careful what you wish for!
2. If you can, drink water, lots of it, its TASTY as hell, and good for your skin.
3. Take the time to revisit, and appreciate the place where you live. Notice new things, or reminisce about old things, whether you live in a city or somewhere more rural. (We live in the middle of nowhere).
4. Look out for each other – it only takes a second to check up on your neighbour/colleague, but it may just make their day. If everyone checks in on everyoneβ¦ everyone is checked in on.
5. Donβt be a d**k. Even within the band we have contrasting opinions relating to Covid19, this is what makes people so interesting – be respectful of the guidelines, and we can sort out the right from the wrong once this is all over.
6. Get some exercise, not only does exercise free dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin – but it can help to relax the mind. (SH Science dept.)
7. It’s okay to have a bad day, one foot in front of the other, tomorrow is a new day! (It genuinely is totally normal to have a bad WEEK). Time passes.
8. Try a podcast. Even if you donβt live on your own, it can be comforting to hear familiar voices – I became a fan of βThe Dollopβ during lockdown, Dave Anthony & Gareth Reynolds are hilarious – check those boys out!
9. Make sure you get some sleep – All work and no playβ¦
10. Donβt wear socks with sandals, its not big, and its not clever.
Continued below…
Extra: Underrated Bands/Artists you should listen to if you like melody:
The Bad Dreamers (USA)
Disperse (Poland)
Vallis Alps (US/AUS)
Don Vedda (USA)
The City is Ours (UK)
Siamese (DEN)
Boys of Fall (USA)
Amber Run (UK)
Walking on Cars (ROI)
Nevertel (USA)
