Playing every instrument himself and recorded in his bedroom through his own equipment, Darren Harts’ bio reads rather impressively.
The young musician from Melbourne opens strongly on his debut EP, Offtime, with ‘The Music’.
Starting in the same 80s vein that is reminiscent of Twin Shadow’s sophomore release, Confess and with a glam electric guitar solo added in for good measure, Harts finds the right balance between rock and synth and subtle and complex, while being infectious all at the same time.
However while the EP begins excellently, the rest of Offtime doesn’t quite match the consistency of the opening track.
‘Back To The Shore’ has more rock prowess than any other song on the record. Although it contains a heavy pop rock chorus, its danceability doesn’t falter from Harts’ more synth funk territories.
His debut single, ‘All Too Real’, has an overt funk synth swagger that might be initially catchy, but its repetitiveness quickly takes its toll.
Harts’ reputation for being a great guitarist is only furthered by this EP’s presence, even on ‘Vampire’, his attempt at a pop anthem, the man’s musicianship cannot be questioned.
Aside from Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta, Matt and Kim) on mixing duties, Harts’ efforts to create this EP with his own bare hands is a remarkable feat.
The sonic layers and complexities of his debut are impressive, but Offtime only demonstrates half the promise that you expect Harts could achieve in the future.
