Northstate EP - Tonic

This Portland-by-the-way-of-Northern California quartet has some impressive songs on its debut CD. Vocalist/guitarist Sean Harrasser proves himself quite a songwriter and lyricist, with poetic imagery strewn throughout the seven songs the "Northstate" EP. Musically, Harvester plays competent, melodic rock with enough of an edge to energize several of the tracks. The punchy "Hairtrigger" sounds like a cross between the Clash and Pavement, while the Versus-like "I Know That I Know This Won't Get Caught In Your Eye" offers a glimpse of Harrasser's inspired lyrics: "The sky is hung like watercolors, the frail descent of autumn's pall resplendent once these colors wane beneath the crusting shadows." Sprinkled with a few hooks, many of Harvester's songs are instantly likeable and engaging.  -Richard Martin