Category Archives: New Music 2024

HARSH SYMMETRY.

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Spooky sounds make my little world go round; and the perfect example of this is the effortlessly slick Harsh Symmetry. I only discovered their music the middle of last year, and I added them to a list of bands I needed to write about. On a cold, icy night here in Manchester- now is the perfect time to write about Harsh Symmetry.

My love for bands like Cold Cave, VR Sex and Drab Majesty knows no bounds. They’re like a holy trinity of mine, but my god you through Harsh Symmetry in there and you’ve got a pot of exceptional musicians that make music that just elevate the soul. I initially was going to treat this as a review of sorts of the record from 2023; Imitation but I feel I have too much to say about Harsh Symmetry to narrow it down to that.

You just know when you hear something that it’s going to leave a lasting imprint on you. You know it’s going to do something, but you haven’t quite figured it out yet- that’s where I’m at with Harsh Symmetry. I feel like I’ve found something truly sacred, and something I may never be able to explain. It’s like that rush of love or infatuation that hits you in the face. There’s something here that I don’t think I’ll ever find in another band or singer, and I’m absolutely okay with that.

Harsh Symmetry is Julian Sharwarko. One person making a beautiful noise that I simply cannot get enough of. His dark vocals over eerie sounds is glorious; his music was made to be heard by any and everyone, and even though that’s a typical cliché it is one that I firmly stand by. For me there’s hints of early Depeche Mode, slight hints of Killing Jokes and a bit of The Cure. The record Julian released last year (Imitation) is made up of 9 songs that to truly get the best of- you need to listen to with the lights off- in total darkness. You can use headphones or you can blast it out as loud as you want. The important thing here is to be in total darkness and with no room for interruption. It’s like meditation but without the urge to start yelling or bursting out laughing (it can’t just be me, right?!) Imitation is Julian’s second full length record but it honestly sounds like someone who has been doing this for decades. It is just a perfectly crafted record. I have ZERO musical talent but it sounds like something I wish I could make. That creepy graveyard cloaked in fog feel lights up the whole record. If you’re looking for something with an intense and atmospheric feel- then listen to Harsh Symmetry.

Before I move onto Julian’s debut- I need to tell you about his exceptional cover of Open Your Heart by Madonna. Early Madonna is divine- we cannot dispute that. The desperation in the original is painful and so vulnerable. It is just beautiful; so how on earth will it sound like when a bunch of synths and eerie vocals take over it? Perfect to be honest. It took a bit for me to realise it was a cover, and I think when someone covers a song it is so important, they make it theirs, and bloody hell Julian does exactly that. It feels like it’s his song. His take on it is beautiful, and you’ll keep going back to it because your brain won’t quite click that it’s a cover right away.

Display Model came out in 2022, and I wish I got into his music then but I didn’t and it’s an error I must live with. His debut record is just the perfect mix of everything I love about music and just makes me want to zone out in the dark and listen to his music. As much as I love loud and rowdy Punk bands; my heart belongs to this style of euphoric music too. I couldn’t possibly call it anything but heavenly. Display Model is a stunning introduction to how talented Julian is, and as far as debut records go- well, if I could go back in time, I’d go back to 2022 and declare it as the best debut of the year. He makes music that goes beyond anything I’ve heard before, and that ethereal and delicate yet melancholic sound is dramatic in all the right places. His music would be perfect for an obscure black and white film that leaves you part terrified and part inspired. I don’t know when I was last truly moved by something. Normally when I play music, my cat usually goes into another room to take a nap but she’s sat next to me on my bed gently drifting into sleep like the little angel she is. Mary’s got good taste!

I feel that the words I have written do not do Julian any justice at all, but I hope if you read this- you listen to his music and you love it as much as I do.

In a few weeks’ time Julian will be playing a few dates here in the UK- London, Liverpool, and Manchester. I cannot wait to see these songs played live, and to hear them in the way they should be heard.

HOORSEES: Big.

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Record number 3 by the finest Parisian band is finally here. Big by Hoorsees was released Friday just gone, and it is one of those records that just makes you instantly feel good. Their previous releases have done exactly the same, and record number 3 somehow has a grander feel to it; you can really hear the progress and passion on this record. It may only be the start of the year but this record has the potential to be the soundtrack to the Summer.

The record opens with the blissful Movie’s Architecture; a 5 minute breakdown into the minds of Hoorsees, and it seems like a safe place to be. It’s the kind of song that would fit perfectly at any point of the record, and it is just the most divine way to start the record. Hoorsees are a band that are so easy to love. If this is your first time listening to them, then Big is a beautiful record to start with. Or, you can go back and play it in order- whichever way you choose to listen, all you need to do is sit back and close your eyes and let the band take you on the purest journey imaginable.

What I adore about this band is that you cannot liken them to anyone else. I fell in love with Alexin’s voice when I first heard his previous band Dr Chan a few years ago- I loved his style and the roughness to his vocals. His vocals with Hoorsees are much more delicate, and captures you in a different way. There is something so therapeutic about this band, and a large part of it for me is the vocals and lyrics. The sound they have is nothing short of perfect, and the way they have grown with their sound in just 3 records is exceptional.

I cannot drive (thank god) but the song Artschool makes you want to take a road trip and play this full blast; that’s the general feel of this record- a way of escaping for a while and just being absolutely fine with being by yourself. Artschool feels like it might be the anthem of the record- the one where fans scream this song back to the band the loudest. Every song makes you feel that way on this record, but there is something about this one that has a slightly stronger grip. Indie kids will eat this one right up.

Every song on this record is easy to relate to and treasure. From the relaxed sounds of New Career to Charming City Life; this record is Hoorsees at their finest. They’ve got better and better with each release, and it just makes them one of the most exciting bands around. Big is such a joy to listen to, and honestly if everything feels a bit overwhelming at the moment- take some time out for yourself, and play this record. It’ll calm your mind for a little while and will give you what you need and deserve. Alexin and  Zoé’s vocals work so well together- both have this gentle tone that just makes you feel so calm- you cannot help but take it all in.

At the moment, I’m calling No Vacation as my favourite but I’ll change my mind many times as I listen to the record more and more. I love the simplicity of it, and I love the vulnerability in the lyrics. That’s another thing I adore about the band- the lyrics are so honest that you cannot help but feel and really connect with every word. This is also the kind of record you play as dusk starts kicking in, and you feel this wave of peace takeover- it is just a gorgeous record in every way.

This is Hoorsees at their finest, and I feel with every record they release they will just keep getting better and better. I really hope that this record gives them the opportunity to tour the UK because everyone needs to really experience how wonderfully talented the band are.