Harp Hammer: Before I've Even Said Hello

Even in these days of hi-tech digital recording, when you receive a demo to review, you have to take into account that the production budget is going to be miniscule and the sound probably not up to major label standards. So take it as read that Before I've Even Said Hello from UK act Harp Hammer is more bedroom in scope, than arena.

However that doesn't matter when the material on display rises above those limitations and reveals something special. However, unfortunately, that saving grace never appears here either. HH see themselves as Prog Rock, yet it takes more than eclecticism to earn that tag, with the straight on Rock with a widdle fest solo of "Sleeptalking", the Funk with a few time changes of "The Harphammer", or the almost Indie Rock of the title track simply revealing a band capable of trying different styles; none of them particularly Progressive. Truth be told, none of them with any great conviction either.

Guitarist Conrad Harpham is a serious fret abuser and it's no wonder he's competed for numerous guitar titles over the years. In fact, in days gone by, a certain Mr Varney might well have been knocking down his door to sign up those tasty tones. However with material that verges on lacklustre and perfunctory and vocal, bass and drum performances impossible to criticise, yet hard to recall, then his skills and thrills are merely icing lacking for cake.

Early days for Harp Hammer but let's hope that their demo title, Before I've Even Said Hello doesn't prove prophetic...

Track Listing
1. Sleeptalking
2. Mi Amore Paquena
3. The Harphammer
4. Before I've Even Said Hello
5. Cracks
6. Bad Company
7. Let It Go

Added: March 29th 2014
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Harp Hammer at Soundcloud
Hits: 1824
Language: english

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