Harker – No Discordance LP (Various Labels)

Harker is a British punk rock gem, cleverly hidden on the underground scene. At least, that’s my impression when I stumbled upon their music for the first time. There’s something about their sound that forces me to spin their tunes over and over again. This terrific quartet delivers premium punk rock since 2014, and each upcoming recording offers even more harmonious delicacies. Since their beginnings, Brighton-based band released recordings such as Hours EP, Gasping 7″, A Lifetime Apart EP, a split 7″ release with Walk The Plank / No Fun / Such Gold named Great Thieves Escape, a cassette single called Hellion, No Discordance LP, and Dead Ends CD EP. Today, I would like to talk about No Discordance, an album released a couple of years ago by Disconnect Disconnect Records, Fond Of Life Records, Wiretap Records, and Shield Recordings.

No Discordance consists of ten diverse numbers that somehow articulate in the same manner throughout the entire album. Perhaps the contemporary melodic punk rock sound dominates the most, but Harker includes several other ingredients that are uplifting this full-length on an entirely new level. No Discordance transits from plain melodic punk rock to a completely different dimension with gradual additions of emo, shoegaze, pop-punk, skate punk, post-hardcore, grunge, and indie rock. These ingredients are vividly hearable in the forms of various guitar shreds and licks, harmonies, melodies, and accentuations. Nevertheless, melodic punk rock remains as the base, while the beforementioned orchestrations are serving more as ear-appealing decorations.

Harker thoroughly planned this material, so besides all these diverse layers of sound, you still have perfectly balanced melodic punk rock record. The continuous dueling between fuzzy rhythm guitar on one and reverby harmonic leads on the other side are going beyond comprehension. Each melodic theme gradually leads to another sophisticated, nearly melancholic melody. You can notice how all these genres influenced the songwriting, composing, and arranging process within the band. The semi distorted bass guitar delivers another dosage of dirtiness to the ambiance through a comprehensive collection of well-planned low-end tones. The rhythm section keeps everything in line by incorporating loads of rhythmic segments, accentuations, and drum fills. Every movement is well planned, energetic, and appropriately implemented into the foundations of Harker’s sound.

No Discordance comes on clear vinyl, empowered by the captivating visual identity. As far as I am informed, the second pressing of this marvelous full-length is nearly gone, but Disconnect Disconnect Records has a couple of copies left, so don’t waste your chance to possess this gem. Head over to Disconnect Disconnect Records Bigcartel store for more information about ordering.