Every now and then you will hear a piece of music that will really stand out, knock you off your feet, and just leave you speechless. I’m trying to find the words here that describe how these 6 songs have really made me feel, but nothing will come close. Learning where these songs came from, what it took to write, and hearing the pure emotion put into them makes it all harder. Harry George Johns has been through troubles I never want to encounter; in the space of one week, he had lost his girlfriend, his job, and his home, and was dealing with issues that forced him to go and see doctors and therapists. This mini album is Harry’s way of getting it all out. It’s incredibly hard to be critical about something so personal, so heart-wrenchingly honest, but listening to the music, there’s not much to be critical about.
Not hesitating to bear his troubles, ‘Drink Myself To Sleep’ paints the picture of all the troubles Harry has had, and the lyrics tell the story so powerfully, achieving what all acoustic “poets” aim to do, with less metaphors, and more heart. You can’t help but feel for the guy, with the the second verse sang with such emotion and honest conviction, and this is what makes this music so genuine.
Now, ‘All You Can Do’ is the type of acoustic song that I’ve wanted to hear for so long. Opening with the melodic intro, into the voice that compliments it all perfectly, it’s my highlight of all the songs, and the ideal single choice. A seemingly cliché choice of lyrics for the chorus, but in the context of everything, they fit perfectly.
A more bluesy take on his music, ‘Tie Your Own Noose’ includes claps and stamping that really makes you want to join in. Sung with such vehemence at times, but including lyrics such as “I am so alone”, you can just tell how much was needed to get off his chest.
‘Sleep Is The Cousin Of Death’ is reminiscent of City and Colour, less commercial, but just as well written. The chorus is probably the most powerful of all songs on this mini album, once again honest and genuine, but not the most powerful part of this song. Calling out your ex-girlfriend in a song has got to be one of the most daring things I’ve heard in music, it may seem minor to some, but who wouldn’t love to call someone out in a song? Let alone declaring that that person broke your heart? Touché Harry; you’ve done something I’ve wanted to do for so long.
The mini album closes with songs just as genuine and honest, Harry wearing his heart on his sleeve and telling his story so powerfully. Closing with ‘Hospital Blues’, aptly ending the story, these songs are Harry’s way of getting it all out, and as much as has been told, I don’t think this is the end of this story. It must be quite refreshing to get all this out there, and with someone who’s played with artists such as Supergrass and Therapy?, I believe this is going to get him back out there into the public eye again. This is just another musical journey for Harry George Johns, and I hope this has helped him to get over his troubles.
4/5
‘Post-Breakdown Blues’ by Harry George Johns is out on 11th February.
Harry George Johns links: Facebook|Twitter|SoundCloud
Words by Callum McPhee (@Callum0510)
