Airhead DC is the musical project of Washington D.C. native Vishal Narang, and on October 26th he will release his Crush Hi LP via Danger Collective Records. Narang’s experimental pop approach spans genres from indie to electro, but the one thing that unifies his output is a knack for infectious composition. The musician formed the band Milk Ghost with Greta Kline (Frankie Cosmos) while studying art history at NYU, and he would go on to launch his solo electronic project Nirvanus in the years following. After college, Narang left New York for Los Angeles where he helped run the DIY art space Almost Holden. While there, Nirvanus caught the attention of Danger Collective Records. Following his time in LA, Narang moved back to the East Coast and started his project Airhead DC.
After releasing several tracks online under the moniker in 2015 and 2016, the musician began work on his Crush Hi LP. Seeking a sound compatible with his lo-fi recording style, but also songs that could be realized in a four-piece band set-up, Narang began writing and composing in earnest. However, rather than pursuing his usual route of recording tracks at his parent’s house, he enlisted the help of Cherry Glazerr members Tabor Allen, Devin O’Brien, and Sasami Ashworth. Assisting with production, engineering, as well as performing on the record, the three members helped Narang to flesh out his early demos.
Crush Hi chronicles the more tumultuous aspects of falling in love–the insecurities of “losing” one’s identity in another’s, as well as the more blissful aspects of partnering. Throughout, Narang’s expansive vocals impart a sense of wonder, even thru the ups and downs. Meanwhile, he and his collaborators craft an exuberant pop filled with glittering melodies and propulsive rhythms. Allen refers to the album as “ear candy,” and while it might be powdered sweet in that catchy, “I gotta have more” kind of way, Narang tempers this throughout with his candid openness and very human vulnerability.
Listen to the Crush Hi standout, “Mouth Breather.”
