Sounding like the musical lovechild of Lenny Kravitz and Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins, Harry J Hart has won me over with his debut EP Holding On For My Life. The title gives an indication of the emotion behind this release.
This EP grips you from the first track “Who We Are.” The atmospheric opening chords draw listeners in, ensuring we’re invested once those dark and relatable lyrics start. The chorus with its crunchy guitar chords and Harry’s stellar falsetto is brilliant. The track sets the bar high, but Harry continues delivering with five more songs. Six tracks is ambitious for a debut EP, but I can’t imagine leaving one behind. The current single “No Goodbye” lifts the energy and encourages you to hang on for the ride. The heaviest track on the album, the way the drums and electric guitars combine with Harry’s fervent vocals is really something special. Harry doesn’t take his foot off the pedal for “Come Back Down.” There’s even a guitar solo. I could wax lyrical about every number on this EP, but I’d much rather you discover them for yourself.
The songs on Holding On For My Life sound raw, but in the best possible way. The imperfections add authenticity to these tracks that clearly come from a very honest place. I hope Harry never gets those edges smoothed out, because what’s here really connects. Holding On For My Life is a really solid EP that hints at great things to come. Harry will celebrate its release with a show tomorrow, November 12, at O’Skulligans in Brisbane.
Images used with permission from Footstomp Music