SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: HAIRCUT 100 – BOXING THE COMPASS

HAIRCUT 100
BOXING THE COMPASS
OCTOBER IS ORANGE LTD.

Haircut 100 burst on the scene in 1981 with their impressive and massive debut single “Favourite Shirts (Boy Meets Girl)”. The following year they released their debut album, the influential and much-loved Pelican West, but before they recorded their second album, vocalist Nick Heyward left the band to go solo, while Haircut 100 soldiered on with one more studio album, Paint and Paint in 1984. By the 2000s, the original members reunited for tours and shows, and finally, after far too many years, Nick Heyward is back and the band has released their album Boxing The Compass.

For the record, Haircut 100 is Nick Heyward (lead vocals, guitar), Les Nemes (bass), Graham Jones (guitar) and Blair Cunnigham (drums). The same four on their debut, and the same four on Boxing The Compass. As a result, this is a Haircut 100 album, and to these ears, it sounds like there was no time between their debut and this album. The subject matter may be a little heavier, but they are also not kids anymore. But the feel and energy of the album is pure Haircut 100.

SPILL FEATURE: LET’S JUST START AGAIN – A CONVERSATION WITH NICK HEYWARD & LES NEMES OF HAIRCUT 100

I hesitate to say this is a more mature sounding band, because, quite frankly, Haircut 100 always had a very mature and sophisticated sound, as did solo Heyward. Everything that made the band great in the past is still in place. The album opens strongly with “Come Back To Me.” This is not a plea to an ex, but rather a song about things lost. It is a beautifully written song with some powerful lyrics. “Sometimes I don’t believe in summer/Some things shatter and won’t recover” makes a strong statement as the opening lines to the album. But it does let the listener know that this album is really about reflection, loss, and love.

The album moves into their trademark funk sound with “Vanishing Point,” complete with a very energetic horn section and fantastic saxophone playing. Later the band demonstrates the band’s ability to incorporate a harder rock sound. The guitars and rhythm section come together in a very strong manner, producing a solid sound.

Boxing The Compass is a brilliant album. Haircut 100 are top players. The musicianship on this album is absolutely brilliant, along with emotional and dynamic vocals. One thing they have never received enough credit for is their harmonies, which are present throughout the album. While, musically, the album is full of fun, lyrically it is a multi-layered album. Haircut 100 is to be congratulated for this album. It is absolutely brilliant.

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