haig - Template for Disaster

Haig

Template For Disaster
self-released; 2013

3.8 out of 5

By Demiera Harris

Are you in the mood for the kind of music that will paint pictures for your ears, and will not only describe a mood and atmosphere but will immerse you deep in the thick of things from the very first note? If you are, then The Haig’s EP Template For Disaster is a must-listen. I spent a few minutes admiring the intricate gold foil on the cover – for a number of reasons; it is a suitable introduction to the music within. 

I just love the deep bass intro to “Starfruit (Galore),” an intro that builds into a really fun and bouncy song that packs punches of flavor. I imagine this is what starfruit must taste like, bright and brilliant, but still sweet with a touch of an edge – an image molded by the chunky chords and sailing bass. 

“Camel Chase” is a heavy, serious song that gallops along. The guitar has just a pinch of Arabic charm at the beginning, and the swirling notes could easily describe blowing sand. I am not in a desert right now, nor in any real danger of being chased by a camel, but I can’t help feeling a little touch of adrenaline and fear in the center of my chest as I imagine that large creature rushing at me. 

“534342” surprised me with the blues rock n’ roll mixed with some – is that electric or autotuned rap?? – vocal harmonies on top of a thoroughly engrossing and unrelenting low end. There is a lot going on in this song, not too much, but more than suits just a casual listen. This is also the longest song on the EP, containing what sounds like a no holds barred jam session in which things REALLY get interesting. 

The instrumental “World Ate” has a suspiciously calm beginning, sounding much like the music that accompanies a private investigator stealing through the night. The best part about this song is that it doesn’t stray far from its initial theme and sound, but it still manages to keep things fresh and different and has some real nice surprises sprinkled along the way.

 “Sex (With a Woman)” – just, listen to this song. The melody is positively infectious; it’s seasoned perfectly with appropriate voice samples, and the lyrics are hilarious and kept a smile on my face the entire time. 

This album was a great deal of fun to listen to. With so much going on at any given point in time, it really captured my attention and held it, and I found myself reluctant (and largely unwilling) to pause it at any given point in time. Every single musician did an outstanding job, but the bassist should really get a pat on the back – that instrument just booms and rocks throughout the whole album and keeps everything together. Definitely, definitely give this a listen – fantastic work!

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