SonOfHarry has today released his concept album titled ‘The World Has Gone Mad’. SonOfHarry, a.k.a. Harry Cleverdon, has literally blown me away with a full album, a concept album, mind you, that is more of a vision than any concept could hold. Starting off with brilliant cinematic flair, everything kicks into a pop fused overdriven structure with ‘The Whole World Has Gone Mad, Part II’ and splits everything into unique musical chapters throughout.
The overall feeling I get is that this was a project of love. I can feel that love in every note. ‘TWHGM’, in my opinion, is a soundtrack needing a film. And it builds one in your mind as you go along. It’s a rare thing to have an album, or an artist, for that matter, carry you through an album like a journey. Harry does. And he does it with an original style.
About SonOfHarry
At just 21 years old, Harry Cleverdon presents a transformative sonic experience, marrying vintage inspirations from the likes of Pink Floyd and Queen with the contemporary sounds of Hozier, Matt Corby, and John Mayer. Having already made a huge impact in the Australian country music scene performing under his own name, this new project has allowed Cleverdon to expand his musical horizons into the pop, indie and alternative landscape.
Draped in layers of lush, melodic synthesizers, fiery blues-rock guitar, stirring orchestral arrangements, enchanting lead vocals, and stunning soundscapes made up of compelling soundbites, SonOfHarry’s debut album seamlessly transitions from track to track. With an emphasis on theatrics and thematic storytelling, ‘The World Has Gone Mad’ is a concept album that takes listeners on a cathartic journey through an aural landscape of thought-provoking social commentary.
The album opens with the ethereal ‘Intro’, a gorgeous soundscape featuring keys, thunderous drums, and soundbites. This smoothly moves into ‘The World Has Gone Mad, Pt 1’ – a gloomy and ominous track that evolves with layers of vocals, orchestral drums, and a striking string section, setting the stage for an epic musical experience.
‘Paradise, Pt 1’ follows, intensifying the dynamics and creating an optimistic atmosphere with anthemic, rejoiceful chants and energetic percussion. Surging forward with energy, featuring explosive blues-rock guitar solos and cathartic, passionate choruses, ‘The World Has Gone Mad, Pt 2’ is a pop-rock track that serves as a social commentary on the chaotic state of the world.
SonOfHarry’s versatility shines in ‘Moments Of Beauty’. The slow-burning, soulful number begins with a delicately played clean electric guitar, accompanied by the gentle sounds of birds chirping. The band joins in with laid-back blues-guitar riffs, providing a rich musical backdrop. Harry is supported by layers of harmonies, enhancing the overall experience as he passionately and gracefully delivers his heartfelt lyrics.
Launching into space, ‘Alien’ starts as a piano ballad, intensifying with Harry’s vocals, accompanied by drums and a hammered strings section for powerful choruses. The song’s dynamic shifts, with sparse verses and intense choruses, culminate in a gripping close highlighted by a roaring guitar solo that transitions into the interlude ‘Where Do We Come From?’, maintaining the completely flowing narrative of this concept album.
Then, ‘Can Not Be This Way’ injects infectious energy, questioning societal constructs with its vintage, jazzy feel, snappy anthemic choruses, and impressive vocal range. ‘Fall’ follows, presenting a mesmerizing soundscape, blending interstellar vocals with autotune. Harry then joins in intimately over the twinkling piano, creating a passionate and heartfelt track.
Closing the album, ‘The World Has Gone Mad, Pt 3’ maintains Harry’s social and political commentary. This epic, slow-burning pop track ebbs and flows before reaching an explosive climax, marking it as one of the album’s most dynamic and theatrical pieces that continuously shapeshifts and evolves.
‘The World Has Gone Mad’ is an experience that is remarkably cohesive, showcasing a level of expertise and professionalism well beyond Cleverdon’s years. With its conceptual continuity, social commentary, and sonic experimentation, SonOfHarry’s debut album is an intimate reflection and a cathartic journey through the complexities of the modern world.
LINKS:
https://twitter.com/iamsonofharry
https://www.tiktok.com/@sonofharry
https://www.instagram.com/iamsonofharry/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4wbZN2eDLtYfIXwbjuIEGT?si=mA1N95cURNetF4MIow5qdQ
https://music.apple.com/au/artist/sonofharry/1654079582