B-Side Guys

Released just a day ago, on December 8, 2023, SonOfHarry’s debut concept album, ‘The World Has Gone Mad’, marks a striking entrance into the pop/soft rock scene. At just 21 years old, Australian artist Harry Cleverdon, previously known for his contributions to the country music genre, embarks on a transformative journey, blending the nostalgic echoes of Pink Floyd and Queen with the modern inflections of Hozier, Matt Corby, and John Mayer.

The album, comprising 11 tracks over a span of 38 minutes and 11 seconds, unfolds as a meticulously crafted narrative, rich in sonic detail and layered with profound social commentary. It’s a concept album that, true to its nature, creates a cohesive aural journey, guiding listeners through a landscape filled with thematic depth and emotional resonance.

Opening with ‘Intro’, SonOfHarry sets the stage with a soundscape that is both ethereal and potent. This introductory piece, with its keys, thunderous drums, and compelling soundbites, seamlessly transitions into ‘The World Has Gone Mad, Pt 1’. This track sets a tone of gloomy foreboding, incorporating layers of vocals, orchestral drums, and striking strings that hint at the epic musical experience to come.

‘Paradise, Pt 1’ shifts the album’s mood, injecting an air of optimism with its anthemic chants and energetic percussion. It’s a testament to Cleverdon’s versatility, his ability to pivot between moods and styles while maintaining a thematic consistency.

‘The World Has Gone Mad, Pt 2’ surges with pop-rock energy, featuring explosive blues-rock guitar solos and passionate choruses. It serves as a poignant commentary on the chaotic state of the world, echoing the album’s title and thematic core.

One of the standout tracks, ‘Moments Of Beauty’, showcases SonOfHarry’s adeptness at crafting soulful, slow-burning numbers. The track, which starts with a clean electric guitar and the gentle sounds of birds chirping, gradually builds into a rich musical tapestry of laid-back blues guitar riffs and layered harmonies, all supporting Cleverdon’s emotive vocal delivery.

‘Alien’ then launches listeners into a different sonic space, starting as a piano ballad and building to powerful choruses accompanied by hammered strings. This song’s dynamic shifts are a microcosm of the album’s overall narrative structure, showcasing SonOfHarry’s ability to weave a story not just through lyrics but through music itself.

The interlude ‘Where Do We Come From?’ maintains the album’s narrative flow, bridging into ‘Can Not Be This Way’, which injects an infectious energy and questions societal constructs with a vintage, jazzy feel and snappy anthemic choruses.

‘Fall’ presents a mesmerizing blend of vocals and piano, creating a track that is both intimate and passionately heartfelt. It’s a testament to Cleverdon’s ability to capture emotion in its rawest form, unfiltered and profound.

The album closes with ‘The World Has Gone Mad, Pt 3’, an epic, slow-burning pop track that encapsulates Harry’s social and political commentary. Its dynamic shifts and theatrical climaxes mark it as one of the album’s most impactful pieces, continuously evolving and shapeshifting.

Throughout the album, SonOfHarry demonstrates a level of expertise and professionalism that belies his years. The album is a journey – not just a collection of songs but an experience that weaves together Cleverdon’s introspections and observations about the modern world. The use of lush synthesizers, fiery guitar riffs, and orchestral arrangements, combined with enchanting vocals, creates an immersive listening experience.

‘The World Has Gone Mad’ is more than an album; it’s a cathartic exploration of the complexities of contemporary life, delivered through a fusion of vintage inspirations and contemporary sound. SonOfHarry, with this debut, has not just entered the music scene; he has announced his arrival with a bold statement, one that resonates with thought-provoking commentary and striking musicality.

Listeners of ‘The World Has Gone Mad’ will find themselves on a journey through the peaks and valleys of human experience, guided by Cleverdon’s artistic vision and musical prowess. It’s an album that promises to leave a lasting impression, not just for its thematic depth but for its sonic innovation and emotional resonance. With this release, SonOfHarry has set a high bar for himself and the world of pop/soft rock music, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting and transformative musical odyssey.