As Summer wrings out its final moments of heat, allowing for the subtleties of Fall to appear, Deadharrie introduces Slow Rock, one of two albums released just this year alone, on September 9th. William Harries, the name orchestrating the sound and image of Deadharrie, assembles a concept so candidly raw. Throughout the album, you’ll feel their disheveled demeanor peak through whichever digital veil you stream from. Enhanced by unsettling nostalgia and exciting experimentation, the Florida based artist offers a cohesive, yet daring, addition to their discography. 

Hidden in the third slot of the track order is the album’s shining jewel: “New Creep.” We’re taken out of the stumbling rhythm found in the surrounding numbers, and pushed into a confrontation with the aggressive melody. Eventually overpowering the senses, “New Creep” uses its outstanding guitar solo and full volume to keep you under its influence. Where other areas of the album ease the listener, Deadharrie takes the liberty to feed a flame of rage and confusion in this piece. 

“Nightshade” allows for a more introspective look, with lines like Beat to submission / Impatient mind / Lean on my family / When times are tough / Will love resolve me / Am I enough? The five minutes allotted to “Nightshade” paints Deadharrie to be the guide through a psychedelic night filled with reflection, regret, and curiosity. The hallucinogenic feeling rises as Deadharrie’s percussion shows the fun in freedom. Our trip is safely brought down by a shimmering lullaby-esque strum. 

Introducing the album is “Alibi” in all its slow rock glory. Deadharrie sets the tone of the album with an intimate and relaxed voice–-the artist renders a space for the listener to feel clued in on something only they’re aware of. The secrecy behind the interaction between Deadharrie and the listener secures trust and comfortability. Immediately we’re familiar with the gentility of the soft pace, but eager to explore different sides of the artist. Which is shown in the contrasting track, “Fumble.” Electric strings instantly permeate your hearing and vision. All you see and feel is the effect of Deadharrie’s relationship with music. If “Alibi” is an introduction to their work, “Fumble” can be considered an introduction to the reason behind their work. 

Harries approaches each track with creativity emboldened by reflective lyricism. On Deadharrie’s website, Harries mentions, “I really puke this stuff out in the best way. Songwriting feels a lot like throwing up.” Deadharrie’s alluring music production can be accredited to their unfiltered methods. Creating without thinking. Living without guessing. As precise and honest as the title itself, Slow Rock, Deadharrie exemplifies the transparency needed in music today.

You can listen to Slow Rock now anywhere you find your music.

Written by Milkomee Addisu