Check out the recent video for ‘Old Kind of Magic’ from Native Harrow. It’s another example of fine, engaging songcraft from the duo, full of lovely sonic layers, including a flowing guitar strum and warm, melodic bass. In the chorus, as the backing singers soar, Devin Tuel delivers a tuneful, soulful vocal. The band say that the song evokes, “…the golden light of 70’s FM radio, spilling across the plush wall-to-wall carpet of suburban reminiscence and recollection,” and that sense of nostalgia is evident in the stylings of the video as well as the gorgeous sound. Tuel sings, “Well doesn’t it just feel like the old days, where we would run and dance and sing?” Indeed, this song makes us want to do just that: dance and sing along. Lyrically, the song presents a series of intriguing images and ideas about a relationship in which its easy to slip into the old feelings and become trapped, when really it’s time to be strong and defiant and move on.
Native Harrow are married duo Stephen Harms and Devin Tuel. Two years ago they moved from Pennsylvania to Brighton and, more recently, into rural Sussex where they put the finishing to their next album. This single is the title track from the forthcoming new record, due out on 28th October. Their fifth album promises to be introspective and intimate, blending a range of styles, including folk-rock, soulful jazz and psychedelia. Similarly, various instruments, such as pedal steel from Joe Harvey-Whyte and violin from Georgina Leach, combine to create a full, distinctive sound. These collaborations with talented players help to create textured, expansive songs that will captivate and absorb listeners. Look out for the new record this autumn. While you’re waiting, you can catch the band play at Mid Sussex Americana Festival on 26th August and they’ll be announcing new tour dates soon. Native Harrow are an excellent live act and come highly recommended. Enjoy.
