The first mentions of Narrows are enough to give someone chills, particularly if that individual is a fan of any of the groups from which this outfit sprang. Thinking on the possibilities from the membership roster (former members of Botch, Unbroken, Some Girls, etc as well as a current member of These Arms Are Snakes) alone brings much speculation as to how this first 7" will actually sound. On a personal note, my excitement level is relatively high for Narrows because it is going to be excellent hearing Dave Verellen perform vocals for the first time since Botch's demise; but this is not just my isolated opinion or excitement as the Internet is all a flutter with anticipation for this release. Hopefully, the Internet hype machine does not ruin this first record by Narrows.
The rumbling bass intro to "Life Vests Float, Kids Don't" is a great intro to Verellen's bellow and the eventually manic, buzz saw sound of the guitars; the angular attack of the music is a bit shocking at first, and then the recollection where some of the band members come from dawns and the realization that this sound truly is a sum of those parts. "Crooked Tongues" is more of those angular guitars, rumbling bass and quick tempo while there is quite the slow break outro that makes for a hell of contrast and variation in sound. The third track, "The Touch Test" is where the band truly hits on something that drags the listeners into the other tracks (almost like the glue that really holds it all together); the slower tempo gives the guitars a chance to set quite a mood while the chunky sounding rhythm section provides a great bottom sound to ground the whole arrangement while Verellen screams his head off now and then.
This seven inch is a welcome teaser for the upcoming Narrows full-length; the three songs that Narrows is offering here is sure to please at least some people or come through for those anticipating its release. From the first notes of the seven inch, listeners will immediately take notice of the band, and by the time that people hear "The Touch Test", they will really be salivating for the upcoming full length and praying or hoping that Narrows is much more than simply a studio project. Fans of any of the bands that birth Narrows will find something to like here as long as they are not expecting another Botch, another Unbroken, or another These Arms Are Snakes. Narrows will stand up on its own.
