Canadian psych-pop craftsman Harkness has returned with 'Ciao To The Beauty', a new album that ditches the sprawling epics of its predecessor for a more concentrated hit of infectious energy. Having honed his skills as a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter in his home studio for over a decade, this latest offering feels like a distillation of that dedication, showcasing a refined knack for crafting immediate, memorable tunes.
Where the previous album, 'The Occasion', featured lengthy musical explorations, this new album is a more succinct and carefully cultivated affair, delivering twelve sharp, pop gems that demand to be heard. As Harkness himself puts it, "Unlike its predecessor ‘The Occasion’ which had epic songs coming in at 8 and ½ minutes long, the songs on 'Ciao To The Beauty' are all quick, short and to the point. I like to think of this next album as a Harkness Juke-box, most of its songs are of the earworm variety...energetic, refreshing musical morsels that are short and sweet and are for the most part under 3 minutes long."
Undeniably, ‘Ciao To The Beauty’ is a vibrant tapestry of sound, built on clever hooks and unexpected harmonic twists. The shift to more direct and dynamic cuts creates a collection of tracks that is consistently engaging and endlessly replayable. While the tone is largely upbeat, radiating an almost unshakable sense of optimism, there's a sophisticated depth beneath the surface. Themes of love and loss are explored, filtered through a lens that brings to mind the sun-drenched harmonies of The Beach Boys mingling with the melodic sensibilities of The Cure and Cocteau Twins.
The instrumentation on the album is rich and organic, built from a talented roster of local session musicians to provide horn, string, and reed arrangements. It’s all neatly curated and perfectly placed, allowing songs like ‘Falling’, ‘Kisses We Invent’, and ‘All The Things You Are’ to shine brightly as highlights.
The sound quality is top-notch, allowing the intricate layers of instrumentation to shine. It's an album with no filler, revealing new delights with every spin. With a feature-length documentary about his work recently premiering and MTV embracing his videos, Harkness is an artist well worth discovering, and 'Ciao To The Beauty' is a fantastic entry point into his colourful psych-pop world.
You can connect with Harkness today on Instagram and Facebook.
