Harlequin League

Harlequin League
Independent

Perth’s own league-of-gentlemen have managed a difficult task for their debut long player; refining a sound while retaining their uncommon blend of influences. Produced and mixed by Andy Lawson (whose reputation grows) the self-titled Harlequin League is a summation of some years of hard work. The album plays out in two parts as ethereal drawn out guitars, delay, vocal effects, synth and rumbling bass lines give way to ‘90s alternative radio, epic sounds, grunge and alt-country impressions. It’s class with rough edges, and it’s their best work to date.

The opening track Welcome To The Fold introduces the League; a rumbling bass line and echoes of Manchester fused with fuzzed out guitar holds together the underlying sense of melody. All Your Wars continues the album’s early standard of a strung out fading guitar intro, whilst Charlatan evokes ‘90s indie pop (James, Dinosaur Jr). Charlies Town stands out as an alt-country ballad like The Sleepy Jackson used to do.

The synth sound and screaming guitars adds a dark mood through the epic tracks Wait Don’t Stray and Itchy Heart, with the subtlest hook it lures you in to early evening festival memories, like when it’s just starting to cool down after a hot day in the sun. Half-way through one could be forgiven for being confused, but this record, like any good album, should be listened to as a whole. There’s something very cool going on here, Harlequin League just need to get noticed.

_DANIEL PARKINSON