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Sarah Harmer is that kind of casual girl-next-store singer-songwriter. She’s
the one who’s been around for years, but you probably haven’t really noticed
her because she’s just so darned friendly sounding and reliable.
This Kingston, Ontario-based artist (formerly of Weeping Tile) recently
released You
Were Here, her first full-length solo CD.
“Around
This Corner,” the opening track, lures in the listener with its jazz sound
and an upbeat surprise -- the clarinet certainly was unexpected, but it
stands out nicely against the distinct drum and bass beats. “Basement
Apartment” starts with a warm giggle, and while Harmer’s voice initially
sounds a little tentative, she works her way to an incredibly inviting chorus.
Although “The Hideout” is the official single, “Basement
Apartment” definitely has AAA radio potential. It also shows off Harmer’s
voice. There’s a very slight Sarah McLachlan
twinge at first hear, but she’s not
derivative by any means. Harmer can
sound almost wispy and throaty at moments, but her voice is strong and can
stretch -- there’s no little-girl wispiness here.
That
said, “The Hideout” is a fine song in itself.
It merely suffers initially by following “Basement Apartment” on the
CD. However, its almost abrupt opening (no musical introduction) of “Look at
that rain” makes it conversational in tone as Harmer honestly examines the end
of a relationship and the need to get away and be happy. It’s a very direct and honest address to the audience.
“Lodestar,”
on the other hand, which features, as Harmer puts it, “some words by D.H.
Lawrence,” is perhaps less of a single but more of a contemplative poetic
piece. It gives Harmer a chance to
demonstrate her ability to crescendo to a strong chorus from a gentle verse sung
against strings and muted horns.
Following the contemplative state of “Lodestar,” Harmer’s cover of Dave
Hodge’s “Weakened State” (the only song among this lot that Harmer
didn’t compose) is perhaps a bit of a shock, for it’s a rocker.
Even it in, however, there’s a moment where the more classical strings
stand out against the electric guitar. Even
there, Harmer’s contemplative nature shows.
Harmer can write and perform choruses that stamp the songs on her listeners’ minds -- “Basement Apartment,” “The Hideout,” and “Don’t Get Your Back Up” are particular examples from this release. She also can handle slow, relaxing, bluesy numbers such as “Open Window (The Wedding Song).” She’s definitely reliable and friendly sounding, but don’t dismiss her as the artist next door. Instead view her as honest, fresh, thoughtful, and downright compelling. www.sarahharmer.com
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