The thing to know about Sofar Sounds is that it’s an acoustic session, and to quote myself from seeing The Harlers at Sofar Sounds Swindon “it was clear that The Harlers were revving up to hit the ceiling, it just felt as though they were about to combust into something else at any given moment” - this was the performance I was expecting, and this was the performance I got. Just two tracks in and The Harlers give off a very juvenile rock ‘n’ roll aesthetic as they lashed around the stage, but with that they have an undeniable professionalism about them - their sound was incredibly polished, and I couldn’t flaw it. [caption id=“attachment_36658” align=“aligncenter” width=“696”]
Mitch - Photo by Kat’s Photography[/caption] As you would want from any live performance, their set was really entertaining but it was also abundantly clear that The Harlers aren’t mucking about - they were also taking it seriously and giving people their moneys worth. On Saturday their gig was a 7 track set which integrated a mix of blues and garage rock which resonated with an early Black Keys, combined with a gentler Royal Blood vibe - my personal favourites include Secret Lover, Ocean, and Your Love. Much to my surprise I also detected some Tom Waits twangs through some of frontman Chris’ more gruff vocals - I want to say this unexpected tune came out in Ocean. [caption id=“attachment_36642” align=“aligncenter” width=“671”]
Chris - Photo by Kat’s Photography[/caption] When watching the guys in action you wouldn’t guess that bassist Mitch only joined Chris and Jamie (drummer) last year. On stage Mitch and Chris have a really strong chemistry and play off of each other fluently - it exerts a good connection, which is probably why between the three of them their set had, musically and physically, a great synergy. Even if I came out of The Vic not particularly rating their performance (which of course I didn’t), then I’m sure the packed out crowd in The Vic would beg to differ - their lively energy and engagement with the band was really telling. [caption id=“attachment_36653” align=“aligncenter” width=“742”]
Jamie - Photo by Kat’s Photography[/caption] If the trio can keep the same level of momentum in their confidence and swagger as they did on Saturday, and not veer onto the side of arrogance, then The Harlers have got all the right qualities to go on to a really promising career. I’ll be seeing you again guys. To find out more about The Harlers - music and upcoming gigs - check out their Facebook page @theharlers. [gallery td_select_gallery_slide=“slide” td_gallery_title_input=“The Harlers - Photography by Kat’s Photography” ids=“36686,36685,36678,36667,36644,36668”] Photography by Kat’s Photography.
