Here Comes The Son

Thenewno2

You Are Here

Vagrant

Action Rating: 6.5/10

Imagine the Beatles (in their later years) and Radiohead (during Kid A) had a child.

In actuality, the band Thenewno2 is co-fronted by Dhani Harrison, the son of late Beatle, George Harrison. Dhani isn’t afraid of the Beatles comparison but rather embraces it. That comparison is pretty inevitable, as Dhani’s voice is so similar to his fathers. Their music is self-described as electro-blues rock. Dhani (guitar, synths, vocals) and Oliver Hecks (drums and synths) take the influence of George Harrison, The Beatles, Cream, and Massive Attack but their overall sound is more experimental and hard to classify.

You Are Here is the first full-length album from Thenewno2. The opening track, “So Vain” is a perfect example of what the album offers. A simple guitar line glides over an ambient beat as the bass and drums pulsate. Beats and synthesizer really provide as the backdrop to just about every song.

“Another John Doe” is the first single and is probably the album’s most unforgettable song. It has a very hypnotic melody that creeps up on you. With each listen the song gets better and exposes something new within its layers of sound. The band really utilizes the layers creating a psychedelic, sort of Pink Floyd vibe.

“Back to You” uses the same formula. The song opens with a sound clip to what seems to be news footage while the lyrics address social problems. "No progression from the situation just oceans of misinformation", Dhani sings over an addicting groove.

“Give You Love” is the album’s catchiest song with a repetitive chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.

“Yomp” changes it up a bit as it is more of a rock song. This time the guitar is more dominant and Dhani gets to show his guitar skills with a solo near the song’s end.

“Hiding Out” is very electronic and could possibly be mistaken as a Radiohead song. Dhani sings the song in a near falsetto tone that works very well.

A ukulele (George would be proud) starts “Crazy Tuesday”, which really stands out amongst the electronic beats that make for most of the intros. Dhani sings, “I tell you that girl’s gonna make you cry”, in a song about a long distance relationship that is failing.

Dhani’s showcases his vocal range in “Idle Lover”, singing in a lower register. This is one of the album’s most interesting songs. About half-way through, it becomes almost chaotic as a trippy breakdown offers a great dynamic while it melts into the solo.

“Shelter” is more of a rock song. If anything, this feels most like a Beatles song. Dhani channels John Lennon as he sings, “While I’m stuck at home by my own/Silvertone I play alone”.

"Wind Up Dead” starts with an electronic beat but about a minute into the song, it takes on a very jazzy feel. Bryony Atkinson provides backing vocals that work in a call-and-response fashion. Her voice and Dhani’s voice play off each other very nicely.

You Are Here is a really good album, consistent and solid, but its downfall is in its lack of variety. Some of the songs seem to blend together, as letting the electronic rock sound dominate just about every track. Though with each listen the album does get better and better offering new surprises in all the layers. You Are Here is definitely worth checking out. The talent and the potential of this band is great and look forward to more from Thenewno2.

Standout tracks: Another John Doe, Back To You, Give You Love, Yomp, Crazy Tuesday, Idle Lover