The Boys Next Door ‎– Hee Haw VG+/VG

The Boys Next Door’s “Hee Haw” isn’t your typical barn-burner country record. Though the title might evoke images of down-home twang, this 1979 release is a raw exploration of punk’s grittier side. It marked a shift for the band, a departure from their earlier, more conventional sound. This EP dives into abrasive rhythms and a more experimental approach, foreshadowing the darker, more unsettling path The Boys Next Door (later known as The Birthday Party) would take. While some tracks, like “The Red Clock,” feature frontman Rowland S. Howard’s vocals, others showcase the emerging voice of Nick Cave, hinting at the powerful performances to come. “Hee Haw” is a short but potent glimpse into the evolution of a band on the cusp of something more sinister.