Forty-four years ago, when Haircut 100 released their debut album, Pelican West in 1982, things were just getting started. It was a period defined by vibrant pop, soul, funk, and jazz fusion that captured a unique, optimistic energy. Yet, before they could continue this journey together, the band took a turn toward solo pursuits, pausing their momentum.
The path diverged briefly, with the group releasing a second album, Paint and Paint in 1984, without Nick Heyward, the lead singer and primary songwriter of hits like “Love Plus One.” Amidst this evolution, relationships shifted, and as often happens in the music world, staying together proved challenging.
The idea of a full reunion seemed distant until 2022, when Heyward, along with the original lineup of bassist Les Nemes and guitarist Graham Jones, decided to regroup. This reunion wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was an exploration of what they could build together, culminating in a collaboration on the 40th-anniversary deluxe box set of Pelican West.
The renewed energy sparked a whirlwind of activity. The band performed live on BBC Radio 2’s “Piano Room,” played at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, and shared eighteen more shows with longtime drummer Blair Cunningham. As they rediscovered their rhythm, they embarked on creating new material, starting work on their second Haircut 100 album, Boxing the Compass.
The creative process for Boxing the Compass was guided by a collaborative spirit. Working with producer and musician Sean Read—who has worked with acts like The Charlatans and Manic Street Preachers—the band tapped into old demos while fostering improvisation. Heyward described the sessions as a free-range experience, much like rolling mist down a river, allowing new ideas to emerge organically.
The resulting album itself is a fascinating narrative. Tracks like “Come Back to Me,” inspired by a line from the film Atonement, evoke a nostalgic trip back to the post-war 1960s and ’70s. The entire record feels like a book, with songs acting as chapters that tell a layered story about moving forward while cherishing the past.
The music blends the familiar sounds of their earlier work with fresh energy. Tracks such as “Vanishing Point” and “Soulbird” showcase Haircut 100’s unmistakable blend of beats, while older gems like “The Unloving Plum” provide a grounding touch. The album truly captures that enduring spirit of lightness and positivity that has always defined the band.
The journey also reflects deeper reflections on life and time. With age comes wisdom; there is an understanding that the biggest lessons often come from accepting what we can’t change. For these musicians, this translates into a profound acceptance: remembering that most things don’t matter as much as we fear they do.
Despite the inevitable ups and downs of life—the fallsouts and the comebacks—the bond between the members remains unbreakable. They are best friends who play, bicker, fall out, and then seamlessly fall back in. This resilient connection, nurtured through decades, proves that some dreams simply refuse to be put aside.
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Credit: Spin
