Following up the release of this fall’s Cinderglow EP, Brooklyn dream pop quartet The Harrow have just issued a surprise holiday single – a cover of For Against‘s wintry “December,” the title track from the Nebraska band’s 1988 December LP. The track was recorded as a tribute to For Against’s singer and bassist Jeff Runnings, who currently is in hospice care. The Harrow will be donating all Bandcamp proceeds from the track to Jeff’s GoFundMe, which can be found here.
The Harrow have offered a quick statement about the cover:
For Against have always been a very special band for us here at The Harrow. Their blend of jangle pop, post-punk, and dream pop set them apart from many of their American contemporaries, and their discography is in a word: perfect. We first heard the news of vocalist and bassist Jeff Runnings’ stage 4 cancer diagnosis in November, and we as a band wanted to show our deep appreciation and love for Jeff and For Against with this very special cover. Jeff has always been extremely supportive of our band and is a truly kind soul, and we are honored to call him a friend.
Listen to The Harrow’s take on “December” and check out the original track below.
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Header photo by Chris Scalzi
The concept of a “Christmas miracle” might raise eyebrows amongst those more accustomed to receiving lumps of coal this time…
Death, in literature and myth, has always danced a waltz with romance. It swept Eurydice away from Orpheus’s desperate arms…
He paints on a smile, the pleasure is mutual Attack of denial, be still, it’s only for the wild Bands…
if I could change things I would but it still was your choice hiding making your love look absent as…
I’ve been swimming in an ocean of tears I went swimming in all of my fears And every day is…
Our entire life Was like a spell of beauty and despair This old delusion Hectic with our own selfish thirst…