Harrys Gym - Harrys Gym
It is immediately obvious that Harrys Gym create haunting, melancholic music. From the off, Harrys Gym draw you in, thanks to the Norwegian quartet’s vocalist Anne-Lise Frokedal. Her voice is haunting and surprisingly bleak; it’s unsettling but in the best way possible. The music itself is intriguing, each section bringing in a new idea and it’s arranged remarkably well. The fact that the band themselves recorded, produced and mixed the album just adds to the intrigue. It also gives the music a handmade quality, giving the impression that their dedication to the music is poured into each note.
The fact that this album is so unsettling is what makes it work. You can’t put your finger on why this is so; whether it’s the vocals or the instrumentation, it all works brilliantly, in particular the marching strains of ‘Attic’. Despite the album being an interesting creation, at times it seems as though the only thing that stops it from being like everything else is the vocals and the way they are delivered. At times, there’s a sad sweetness to the songs and this is definitely created by the vocals. ‘Whisper’ is one of those times, Frokedal’s voice trading in the previous haunted quality for a softer, sugary sweet tone. It’s an album highlight, making a welcome break from the bleakness. ‘Turn Away’ is surprisingly catchy, perhaps one of the poppier moments on the album.
Underneath the apparent sorrow, there are beautiful melodies, weaving in and out of the haunting and beautiful atmosphere. Throughout, there’s a gorgeous sadness to Frokedal’s voice. The self titled album is a record bound by haunting effects and delicate vocals stitched into the eerie background. Harrys Gym are a special band - they seem to be aware of their capabilities and they don’t try to be anything that they’re not. In the process they have created an imaginative and fascinating record.