Harker – Lights Go Out

Harker are back with another excellent song. “Lights Go Out” is their fourth and final single that reminds listeners that the anti-fascist movement never sleeps, and it will always be there to fight against the inequality that marginalized communities face every day. It’s a meaningful song that will resonate with punk rockers and listeners’ interest in other underground music genres, but also with anyone who fights for the rights of those who are oppressed. Just like the previous singles, “Lights Go Out” serves as more than an adequate sneak peek into their third full-length album, slated for release next year. For those who’re unfamiliar with Harker, expect nothing but brilliant ideas and outstanding musicianship. These folks invest all their experience, knowledge, skill, and talent into their work, and the effort always pays off in catchy songs that immediately grab your attention.

That’s the case with “Lights Go Out” as well. Perhaps melodic punk rock comes to mind first, but Harker also incorporate some of the finest properties borrowed from other complementary music genres, like pop-punk, grunge, alternative, indie, etc. These experimentations with different styles and their ideas unquestionably play significant roles in shaping such an innovative, fresh, unique sonic experience, rarely seen on the punk rock scene nowadays. Of course, these additional elements serve as more than necessary enhancements, accentuations, decorations, and other details that uplift their music on an entirely new level, while the band remains loyal to the primary sonic direction. Also, another good thing about Harker is that they embrace modern and retro sound at once, so their songs always resonate in a very distinctive way.

Harker always pays attention to the vocal harmonies, and you’ll immediately notice how female and male vocalists harmoniously deliver a powerful message. They keep the listeners engaged from scratch to finish, but also emphasize everything the remainder of the band tried to achieve sonically. The heavily distorted, fuzzy, abrasive chord progressions and riffs serve as a perfect backdrop for these vocal performances, while the lead guitar delivers cleverly assembled themes, lead, solos, and other decorations. This song wouldn’t sound so good without equally complex, vividly hearable, warm-sounding basslines that provide more heaviness, clarity, and depth, while the excellent drumming performance offers groove and pace with moderate, well-accentuated beats, breaks, fills, and other rhythmic maneuvers.

Every band member plays a significant role in this sonic equation, and this song wouldn’t sound so marvelous without all of them. Harker were always good songwriters, but they age like a fine wine. Every new single and album delivers more innovations in writing, composing, recording, and producing, and “Lights Go Out” exemplifies their ability to revitalize and uplift melodic punk rock on an entirely new level. You should put “Lights Go Out” on your radar as soon as possible. The single is available on all streaming platforms.