Band: Graphic Nature
Album Title: Who Are You When No One Is Watching?
Label: Rude Records
Release Date: 12/05/2024

The British band Graphic Nature returns with their new album, “Who Are You When No One Is Watching?”, which explores personal trauma and emotional struggle following lead vocalist Harvey Freeman’s experience of an unprovoked attack on a train. For more on the story behind this album, check out this in-depth article by Nick Ruskell from Kerrang, where Harvey discusses the event and its aftermath.

Released about a year after their debut album, “A Mind Waiting To Die”, this new record delves into dark and intense themes, designed to challenge and unsettle the listener.

The next tracks, “Human” “Something I’m Not” and “Breathe”, seamlessly blend heaviness with electronic sounds. The electronic parts provide a moment to breathe but also create a false sense of security, enhancing the brutality of the heavier sections when they take over.

We continue to delve into Harvey’s personal experiences and trauma, with lyrics full of vulnerability and introspection, complemented by relentless aggression and powerful vocal delivery.

This leads us into “session24.”, an interlude featuring straightforward drums and bass, already introduced in previous songs. It evokes the feel of a 2000s video game soundtrack. Despite its chill vibes, this interlude reinforces the album’s overall tension. It is standing out from the other tracks and serves as a reminder not to get too comfortable. This calm won’t last for long.

The walls are closing in

And indeed, as we enter this following part of the album, we are immediately struck by “N.F.A”. This track demonstrates the band’s ability to deliver short yet intense performances. The aggression is direct and unrelenting.

The escalating heaviness creates a sense of almost claustrophobic intensity, leaving little room to breathe. “Fractured”, the album’s first single, explores the theme of growing up being neurodivergent but undiagnosed.

“Low” continues to sustain the tension, which remains challenging to acclimate to, even after ten songs. The instrumental richness aligns with the emotional depth of the lyrics.

Anguish and turmoil

By this point, you might feel as though someone is pressing down on your chest, intensifying the discomfort. “To The Grave” concludes with a chaotic and distorted finale that evokes anguish and turmoil, marking a climactic moment in the album.

Next comes “When No One Is Watching”, which continues the theme of blending heaviness with electronic elements. While drums and bass typically evoke a relaxing vibe for me, here they are used to heighten tension, layered with tense whispers that keep us grounded and alert. It’s a reminder that any moments of respite are fleeting, as the heaviness returns swiftly, charged with a sense of sadness or despair. On that note, we’re nearing the end of this journey.

Emotional catharsis

The album concludes with “For You“, an emotional and heart-wrenching finale. Harvey’s vocal delivery intensifies with growing desperation and pain, culminating in a heartbreaking outpouring of frustration and despair where Harvey’s raw emotions are laid bare. This poignant conclusion highlights the album’s challenging and emotional themes, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.

“Who Are You When No One Is Watching?” is a hard-hitting record that is both challenging and deeply moving, reflecting Graphic Nature’s ability to channel personal trauma into powerful music. They poured their heart into it and it shows. And we are honored by Harvey’s decision to share his story with the world, providing many listeners with a source of connection and support.

Favourite breakdown: Blinded

Goosebumps moment: The closure of the album

Unexpected favorite: session24.