The
Harmaleighs – People Line Up (Independent)
Nashville trio The Harmaleighs hit the ground running
with their debut release, the five-track “People Line Up” - a lively, lyrical
offering, which places them squarely in the new folk-rock scene, alongside bazillion-sellers
such as the Mumfords and Fleet Foxes. Their unique selling points are the
vibrant lead vocals of Haley Grant (who also writes the songs), their sublime
harmonies and the often striking imagery, which they employ.
I can’t imagine it’s been too easy for them to make
an impression on their local scene – Nashville has never had a reputation for
making life easy for artists / groups who don’t tow the party line. Fortunately,
if they can catch the breaks, there’s a worldwide audience waiting for them.
The five songs they present for our delectation are universally strong, and
Grant has a fine ear for a pop hook, and writes melodies that stick.
Roots radio should be all over them. Opening cut “Sunflowers” balances on a chugging banjo riff and is
both gentle and assertive. It’s followed by the excellent “Freakshow” where a
splash of indie attitude is incorporated and a scratchy mandolin adds plenty of
colour. They end with “Monster in My Head”, a
clever take on mental instability, with a gloom-laden cello in the background
providing ominous tones.
Phil S.
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