Nostalgia and New Blood Collide on The Harbours’ Debut EP 'Are We Nearly There Yet?'

You know that feeling when a new band drops a debut and it just clicks? That’s The Harbours with 'Are We Nearly There Yet?' — a five-track burst of indie-pop energy that feels both familiar and fresh, in the best possible way.

Hailing from Leicester and formed just last year, this four-piece led by Ollie Drakard and Will Massarella-Tyler has already made a name for themselves on the UK scene. They've gone from local gigs to festival slots in no time, with BBC Introducing giving them the kind of love that usually takes bands a lot longer to earn.

The EP is full of the kind of vibrant guitar work and catchy choruses that practically beg for a summer road trip playlist. ‘What Are We Running For?’ kicks things off with that bright, jangly energy that brings to mind Two Door Cinema Club or The Kooks in their prime — it’s all layered guitars, driving rhythms, and just the right amount of bittersweet.

Then there’s ‘Scarlet (Boys That Sing)’, which leans a bit more anthemic, built for sweaty venues and muddy festival fields. Think Little Comets meets early Wombats with a dash of KAWALA’s sun-drenched charm. It's the kind of song you want to shout back at the band from the front row.

What’s really nice about this debut is how polished it feels without losing its heart. You can tell these guys are having fun, but there’s a thoughtfulness to the writing too. The EP walks the line between nostalgia and something new — like a soundtrack to your favourite coming-of-age film that hasn’t been made yet.

The band themselves say they want people to take their own meaning from the songs, and that comes through. The lyrics leave enough space for you to project your own memories onto them, while the energy keeps things moving.

Bottom line? 'Are We Nearly There Yet?' might be a debut, but it sounds like a band already in motion. If you’re into guitar-driven indie pop with big hooks and bigger heart, this one’s worth your time. Keep your eye on The Harbours — they’re just getting started.

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