HARV is John Harbinson, in his own words the “Irish rock singer in the band”. According to the brief bio I have of the band, John seems to be a busy guy. Gigging with two tribute bands, “Rock Of Ages” and “Snakebite”, a Whitesnake tribute and an 80’s Hard Rock outfit, he’s somehow found the time to record “Back”. Which I guess is a kind of solo project. And I’m glad he did. In his bio he describes this as a 16-song demo, self produced and self financed. And that’s a bit of an understatement. It’s Proper Music !. 

“Crying In The Rain” starts the party and is a belter. It’s immediately evident where the band’s musical soul is, somewhere, just before grunge ruined everything. It’s Classic Rock, pure and simple. Stadium packing, Arena filling rock’n’roll. Yes it’s fairly obvious that it’s a budget recording, but that aside only makes you listen to the actual music. There’s influences from all over the place, FM, Y&T, Tyketto spring straight to mind. Proper driving song is this, big chorus and a cracking guitar solo. “Tugging At My Heartstrings” is a Europe/Journey, big keyboard intro, big chorus rocker. Well written songs, drawing influences and gelling them into a collection of fresh ideas is where Harv succeed.

There’s nine different musicians on the album, in various configurations but the core sound of the band flows throughout. All talented players backing Harbinson’s voice, and a good voice too. Easily handling the rockers and quite soulful for the ballads. There is a good blend of tempo, “Invasion” should be the first single I reckon, a Maidenesque romp which defines why I got into Metal in the first place. A proper rocker. 

There’s a couple of bands, this year, that have started to play this kind of Metal-edged AOR and I’m convinced it’s popularity will grow. Nu-Metal has all but imploded and whilst on the one hand the thrash guys are returning to the heavier, technical stuff there seems to be a resurgence of the Melodic rock boys (and about feckin’ time!). The more I listen to this album, the more I like it. Sixteen quality songs that are well performed and would all work live. Keyboards and acoustic guitars blend with the electric and produce what can only be described as Classic Rock. 

“New World” and “Rock On Through The Night” are stand out tracks, as well as the aforementioned. Pure Rock’n’Roll. It’s true there is a very nostalgic feeling with the album, back to the 80’s, but that doesn’t mean that it sounds outdated, in fact it’s fresh, vibrant if you like. With a crisper, slightly ballsier production, this could easily sell by the shedload. And may even show the masses that there’s a little more depth to proper rock music than a catsuited, scrotally challenged poseur. Bloody Good Effort chaps.

Let us know your views on 'Back'

Track List

Crying In The Rain
Tugging At My Heartstrings
Paradise
Hold On (To Her Love)
Confusion
Stranger Things Have Happened
Invasion
Calling Your Name
Memories
Rock On Through The Night
Falling Out Of Love
Midnight Confessions
New World
Carrie
Beating of A Heart
On A Wing And A Prayer