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Downer

by Harijan

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about

Downer is the first single from Harijan's self-titled debut album, which is available now from TNSrecords.

If any band epitomises the early years of TNS it is perhaps Harijan. In the mid-2000s Harijan became an iconic band in the growing Manchester scene with their distinctive mix of skacore, reggae, punk and Mike’s distinctive vocal delivery. The band regularly tore up gigs for Manchester promoters such as TNS, Bomb Ibiza and Pumpkin, proving to be a band with huge crossover appeal for a variety of audiences.

Discussing the first single from the album the band said, "it is a song about having a bad day... a very bad day... when all faith seems lost... and the only thing left to do is examine the depths of your soul to conclude nothing can be done. The rest of the album manages (just about) to exude positive messages of hope... however Downer is the stand out negative track on the album that refuses to embrace any positivity!!"

Whilst they may be a new name to many, their influence on the UK ska punk scene is huge. Harijan deserve to be heard once again and are a band which ska music deserves. On this, their first full length album, Harijan create a brooding and contemplative music, music which harmonises perfectly with these bleak times. Their music is a logical evolution of the sound of early 1980’s Coventry, infused with the acerbic bite of 30 or so intervening years of underground punk rock. It is ska music which completely bypasses sun-drenched goofy Californian takes on the ska sound and provides an honest representation of contemporary urban Britain from the perspective of these much-loved scene veterans.

Discussing the album the band said “Not recording an album was something that haunted us during our hiatus. So to finally have the monkey off our back is a huge relief. We are massively proud of it… our 13 biggest tracks produced splendidly by Kurt Wood at Corner House Recordings. Musically it is a heavy and dark skapunk/skacore dub-reggae adventure brimming with catchy melancholy melody and harmonies. The lyrics are politically charged with much social commentary and soul searching.”

Harijan are regularly lauded by the likes of Random Hand and Faintest Idea, whilst regularly compared to King Prawn and Capdown. They’ve had a huge musical impact on many bands who have been born in the North-West. Those of you who have followed TNSrecords from the start will be aware they shared CD space with John Player Specials in a split for TNS003. After an enormous hiatus, the band are back with an album that finally commits those early songs to a physical format. Produced by Kurt Wood, it is an instant classic and a release that many have been wishing for a very long time.

The album is available on double vinyl and CD from TNSrecords. You can pick up a copy here: bit.ly/harijan

lyrics

I had a bad day and so did you
Exactly what should we resume?
Hard up, stressed out, scraping by
Not even got much to say

I like to watch life passing by
It’s twists and turns, what’s left behind
Get old, regret everything
Can’t say I achieved my dreams

I’d like to welcome you to a life that follows no plan
A constant fight with reason and all of her friends
Prepare for mental torment and physical pain
What I would give to go back, would I do it again?

My eyes glued to the clock as my stomach cramps up and my heart-beat is jumping
There’s no stopping these thoughts as I’m biting my nails just to fill up these ashtrays
Stuck in a rut and I could get real used to this
‘Cos we gave up long ago, it rotted inside out

So, I’m back here again to deliver the sin of not learning from last time
This eternal flaw, a familiar tour of a life-time spent wondering
Sick of all remedies, this soul will not be soothed
I got down here to Hell OK, just can’t find my way back.

credits

released December 4, 2020

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TNSrecords Manchester, UK

TNSrecords is a punk record label based in Manchester, UK. TNSrecords aims to support exciting bands, who could be considered punk in either sound or ethos.

The emphasis is very much based around community spirit, the DIY ethos and working collectively.

We started out as a punk zine and then a gig night back in 2003 in Manchester. TNS evolved into an independent label in 2008.
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