This is a cracker of an album. Or a double EP. Or a collection of tunes. Whatever it is, it’s a great listen. Soulful Melbourne rockers The Harlots have been bubbling away around the traps for a while now, and this release is sure to garner a great deal of attention. It’s not often that we see an example of such clever, intricate lyrical content, or such musical depth demonstrated through well-crafted songs.
Frontman Tom Pitts spits lyrics like a well-read madman over a glorious, driving blend of organ, twin guitars, bass and rolling drums, creating sounds reminiscent at times of Tom Waits, Richard Hell, and even The Killers. At times the guitar work could be a little tighter, but the song structures and interplay between guitars, organ and piano are great.
The central refrain from single Got No Soul will be stuck in your head for ages, while What I Know shouldn’t be listened to in public lest you’re forced to bust a move. This is definitely one worth giving a listen or three.
BY JOSH FERGEUS
Best Track: What I Know
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: TOM WAITS, RICHARD HELL & THE VOIDOIDS
In A Word: Rollicking
