Harvey - harvey

Harvey

Harvey
self-released; 2014

3.8 out of 5

By Megan Gazzo

Harvey’s new EP self-entitled Harvey starting with the song “All Mine” is sweet and tropical. Feels a bit like island music meets New Orleans. It is a fusion of horns and steady serenading drums and vocals. The vocals are sweet and fruity, ripe with tales of love and tenderness. The gentle brassy expression of the horns really offers a soulful feel to the light and jovial sensation of the music. The vocals are like a vanilla ice cream and pineapple milkshake, backed up with equally as tender vocals.  

Moving into the song “Fearless” which speaks “If you ever feel alone, all you have to do is pick up the phone” continues the sentiment of feeling comfort in the embrace of love. No need to fight it. The lyrics offer a gentle hand and warm comforting embrace. Definitely lends a shoulder to vulnerability. The singer almost sounds like a male version of Feist or Jolie Holland. This song is slow and rhythmic, akin to r&b music, but with a sugary flowering feeling. I get the sentiment of warm, tender springtime love. 

Next up is the song “Home” speaks of “We left it all behind.” The song introduces some pronounced guitar plucking that is played almost like a ukulele. Joined by a gentle chorus and a steady drum bass and some cheerful “scatting” the song is unique and dynamic. It even fuses in the horns and it all joins together in a brilliant symphony launching its listener to a magical piece that is unlike any other.  

“In My Arms” continues this titillating feeling of love and gentle expression of it. It is all so soft and welcoming. “Hoping for a second chance when you swing back my way, I know one day I will hold you in my arms.” A Hawaiian vibe with slow subtle guitar strumming paired with Jack Johnson like vocal stylings, this song is a tear jerker. “No Love” is an emotionally deflated song. It announces, “ I can’t get no love.” It is almost as though because the singer has been so open and gentle that it is making the object of his affection feel hesitant to be as open. This song in particular is the most melancholy and dissonant track on the EP. Its beauty is powerful and fragrant.

The whole EP gives its listener a chance to be vulnerable and break open to its sweet loving melody. The piece allows the listener to let down the shield of love’s past hurt and to just feel pure innocent love. It is such a gorgeous coalition of drum, guitar and vocals. Slow moving and sweet, adorned with gentle rhythm, definitely listener-friendly, emotional and brave. The truthfulness and suppleness of the songs are so bold in their softness. Harvey is a great EP to contemplate current or past love and even to journal to.  Powerful and transformative in its pink cushy heart felt fuzzy goodness. Feels mushy and gushy and safe.

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