Show Review: Nai Harvest @ Great Scott – 8.22.14

Nai Harvest at The Great Scott

It’s been a little over a week since Ben Thompson & Lew Currie, the lead singer and drummer of Nai Harvest, kindly helped WRBB get into the Great Scott in Allston, MA for their sold out show with Dads and Tiny Moving Parts. This would be the 10th show for the English duo, on their first ever US tour.

I arrived with just a enough time to grab a beer before Nai Harvest were slotted to play and I was pleasantly surprised to see that the rain did not effect the turn out. By the time the boys made their way to the stage, a proper sized crowd had packed itself into the tiny venue’s floor, awaiting their presence. They took the stage, and with nothing but a couple words and a few waves of feedback they began.

Starting with “Rush”, their set contained every song off their highly acclaimed EP, Hold Open My Head. They also played two new songs, which Ben described as “belters,” from their latest full-length, which is expected for release in early 2015 via Topshelf Records. It was clear that both of these songs followed the same vein of Hold Open My Head with jangly guitar riffs, crashing symbols and catchy hooks. Further distancing themselves from the emo-er sound, heard on their debut LP, Whatever. They did, however, play the title track for that LP, which a few NH purists seemed to appreciate (with violent head-banging, forceful pointing, screaming, and for some reason a middle finger got thrown in there). They finished out the set with their latest single Buttercups. For only two dudes, they did an excellent job filling out the stage.

Having played CMJ that afternoon in New York City, and knowing that they were leaving immediately after the show to play yet another CMJ showcase at Rough Trade the next day, one might expect this band to be sleep-deprived and delirious. But neither of the boys held anything back, delivering an “absolutely savage performance, mate”. I chatted with Ben after their set regarding playing this show in between the two New York gigs. He simply said, “I knew it would be worth it.”

Be sure to catch these guys before they head back home!

– Adam Kenny

Videos & Photos Below….