EP Review: Harts, 'Breakthrough' • Howl & Echoes

Boasting two recent hits Breakthrough and When a Man’s a Fool, Harts’ new EP, also titled Breakthrough, is a worthy follow-up to his debut Daydreamer. It’s a unique blend of 70s rock and Motown funk that the one-man producer, vocalist and songwriter Darren Harts has practically perfected to a tee. Having been wholly embraced by Triple J, the extensive radio play and unique interpretation on past musical stylings are no doubt pushing Harts to the ‘Breakthrough’ he deserves!

“I need another breakthrough,” wails Harts on the opening track – and this EP is exactly that, affirming his status as one of Australia’s most successful new musicians, after a 2014 that saw him play with the one and only Prince at his Paisley Park Studios. The title track is perhaps the most groovy on the EP, with steady drums underscoring a warped guitar and vocal production reminiscent of The Black Keys… on crack. The EP only builds from there, peaking at Streets – loud, unabashed, and headbang-inducing. Yet Harts displays incredible restraint on the last few tracks, diminuendoing to barely a murmur on Ain’t Too Far Gone, as his voice rings raw over laid back instrumentals with only momentary glimpses of the stadium fillers earlier in the EP. This versatility is refreshing, and Harts’ falsetto on this last track is one of the highlights on the record.

Breakthrough is out now.