Album Review

Harts – Offtime EP

• 4th Mar 2013

Harts is young Australian multi-instrumentalist Darren Hart. His debut EP is now available for download and its stylish electronic indie music mixes in elements of funk and soul to create a melodic and striking sound. Harts plays all of the many instruments on the EP himself, and it was mixed by Lars Stalfors of The Mars Volta, who heard the demos and volunteered to help.

Lead single The Music opens the EP. Describes as a song about not conforming to musical trends it has a strong dance beat, electro rhythms and high vocals, but also bursts of superb lead guitar work. It’s so eclectic that it shouldn’t really work, but Harts manages to hold it all together as a stirring track with a strong message.

Back To The Shore follows, the guitar more prominent in a fast paced song. There is a funk feel to the beat and the vocal effects are interesting as reverb is added in places, yet fades in other to create something close to a one man duet. The variety continues with All Too Real, which is perhaps closer to a mainstream pop song than anything else on this EP, with a lovely chorus bursting through the mix.

The bass heavy Vampire has a menacing air and alarming lyrics in keeping with its title, yet there is an upbeat air to the track that somehow gives it an infectious feel. Harts has a knack of mixing disparate sonic elements in unusual way to create the effect he is looking for. Closing in funky fashion, the EP’s title track Offtime sparkles behind a strong lead vocal. There are some very interesting electronic sounds towards the end of the track too, as well as a fine guitar solo.

As a debut EP this is a statement of intent from Harts. Clearly a talented musician, he seems to go his own way and has created a very individual set of songs that are entertaining and distinctive. This is a fine twenty minutes of music and well worth a listen if you fancy something just that bit different from mainstream music.

Venue: Offtime EP
Support Band: Island Records Australia