Regarded as one of the most exciting new additions to Australia’s rock scene, Harts has delivered the Smoke Fire Hope Desire you’ve been waiting for. A sound that is categorised by the psychedelic soul power of the ‘60s and the indie-rock incentives of a more recent time, Darren Hart holds nothing back when it comes to his debut album.
After being eased into it through Smoke (Intro), Fear In Me drops you right in the thick of it. Whether it’s a riff that evokes an air guitar performance or a slick vocal style that leans towards rap, Harts has you instantly hooked.
Evenly placing the title tracks (Smoke, Fire, Hope, Desire) throughout the album, Harts has listeners locked to his instrumental production. The multi-instrumentalist uses the four pieces to showcase his undeniable virtuosity. He moves from the haziness of Smoke to the fast-tempo Fire (Interlude) that features horns, percussion and keys. The one-man band creates controlled chaos in a minute and a half that couldn’t be more intoxicating.
On Hope, Harts inspires with opening line, “Others discourage (…) they don’t understand what we can achieve with a little bit of hope.” The track binds a driving electronic arrangement and an electric guitar section that’ll send shivers down any music lover’s spine. Desire sits as the second last song on the release and is one of the most dynamic. A synthesizer mimics a string section and a ghostly vocal asks, “Am I a slave to the world? Or am I spiritually free?” while piano keys trickle around it.
The remainder of Harts’ 14 tracks are all more than worthy of a lengthy listen, however if you had to choose, head straight to Power, Realize or the almost seven minute Ain’t Too Far Gone.
BY PHOEBE ROBERTSON
