Seattle might not be the first place in mind when you think of dream-pop/shoegaze music, but The National Honor Society calls the iconic Pacific Northwest hub home. The band is inspired by the ’80s and ’90s UK indie music scene and their music is steeped in a strong nostalgia for and connection to the spirit of Manchester, England.

The National Honor Society was formed in 2017 by four Seattle-based musicians who had been in each other’s musical orbits for almost 15 years. Having previously played in each other’s bands, they toured as NHS with Andy Rourke (The Smiths) and Girl in a Coma, while opening for The Strokes, Interpol, and Mark Gardener (Ride).

Their upcoming album, To All the Glory We Never Had, which arrives on May 15th via Chien Lunatique Records, sees the band expanding their sound from 2017’s All Changes EP in deeper and more introspective ways.

They teamed up with Stranger Genius award-winner, musical puzzle wizard, and unspoken fifth NHS member Erik Blood to produce sounds reminiscent of Oasis, The Smiths, and Interpol, all while creating modern rock sounds that are very much of the moment.

To All The Glory We Never Had came about from the band’s collective descent into cultural depression, panic, and sadness over the last few years. Listening through the album is to join the band in making some meaning of it all.

The Big Takeover is thrilled to host the premiere of the sparkling and melodic, but melancholia-tinged lead single “First Among The Last.” The restless and longing track chronicles the isolation that occurs when you have to put your idols to rest.

“First Among The Last” swims blissfully in luminous waves of harmonies, driven by the airy and wistful lead vocals lost in beautiful rumination. Softly gleaming guitar chime rings out to the skies, while the gentle bass line groove anchors the tune. Shining cymbals tick away the time as the punchy drum beat propels the song forward.

Bandcamp
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Spotify
SoundCloud
YouTube