EX EX by Kristoffer And The Harbour Heads: A Raw, Indie Rock Gem That Sticks With You
Let’s cut to the chase—EX EX is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. Released in 2016 by Sweden’s own Kristoffer And The Harbour Heads (KATHH's for short), this indie rock record feels like a late-night drive through Stockholm with the windows down and your thoughts running wild. It’s messy in all the right ways, packed with raw emotion, layered instrumentation, and lyrics that hit harder than they have any business doing.
First off, let’s talk about “Nervous In Berlin.” Man, this track just gets me. From the opening notes, it sets a moody tone—Joel’s vocals are strained but honest, like he’s spilling his guts without caring if anyone’s listening. The synths shimmer faintly in the background while Kris’ drum programming adds this steady heartbeat to the chaos. There’s something hauntingly relatable about feeling out of place in a city that doesn’t care whether you stay or go. I can’t stop replaying the chorus—it sticks in my head like gum under a table, but in a good way.
Then there’s “Light Me Up,” which flips the vibe entirely. This song bursts open with electric guitar riffs sharp enough to cut glass, and James Salter’s saxophone solo? Damn. It’s unexpected, almost jarring, but it works so well. Joel’s voice cracks at moments, giving the whole thing an unpolished charm that makes it feel alive. Like, yeah, we’re human—we stumble, we break, but damnit, we still try to shine. Every time I hear the line "light me up before I fade away," it punches me right in the chest. Feels like someone finally said what I couldn’t put into words myself.
The production deserves a shoutout too. Mixed by James Salter and mastered by Robert Hadley, the sound has this gritty warmth to it, like worn leather jackets and smoky bars. Emil’s organ work and Pekka Lunde’s theremin add these strange little textures that make each track stand out. Even though Joel seems to play half the instruments himself (seriously, dude does everything), nothing feels overdone. Instead, it’s cohesive—a patchwork quilt stitched together with care.
What really struck me about EX EX is how personal it feels. You get the sense these guys weren’t trying to chase trends or please anyone. They made exactly the album they wanted to make, flaws and all. Tracks like “Call The Cops” and “Second Chance” bring raw energy, while slower numbers like “Love Takes A Toll” leave you sitting in silence long after the music ends.
Honestly, this album reminds me why I fell in love with indie rock in the first place. No shiny polish, no forced hooks—just real people pouring their hearts into something bigger than themselves. Listening to EX EX feels less like hearing a band and more like eavesdropping on a conversation you weren’t supposed to hear.
And here’s the kicker—I listened to this album during a weird phase of my life where everything felt uncertain. Funny how music finds you when you need it most. So thanks, KATHH's, for making something so imperfectly perfect. Now excuse me while I hit repeat… again.
