Australia’s own funkadelica-rock-n-roll-making super human, Harts (aka Darren Hart) bends genres and expectations on his new EP Breakthrough. The prolific Melbourne-born solo artist pumps out tunes at an alarming rate, due in part to his blues-guitar addiction.
The freedom of artistic creativity that comes with writing, playing, recording, producing and mixing his own music has earned Harts plenty of attention from both his debut album Daydreamer and his first EP, Offtime, and his burgeoning rise to guitar-god status will no doubt continue after Breakthrough.
Australia’s own funkadelica rock n roll making super human, Harts bends genres and expectations on his new EP Breakthrough.
Lauded by Richard Kingsmill as a “One man music making machine”, the multi-instrumentalist plays guitar, bass, vocal, drums, synths and keyboards on his self-produced sophomore LP, enough to make us mere mortals feel pretty average about our comparatively lazy lifestyle.
Shredding on guitar like a Prince-Hendrix-Guy musical creation, Harts lets the instrument do the talking on the social justice driven Breakthrough, blending timeless rock with a unique touch of funk to spice things up.
Already this year he has supported The Delta Riggs, played Groovin’ the Moo, and the Hills are Alive, winning over audiences with his blues-driven musical prowess. The fierce and adventurous guitar playing from Harts’ fingertips is a refreshing take on rock and roll, unique to the Australian music scene. Aside from being featured on well-known music blogs, publications and gaining high rotation on triple J, the groovy guitarist recently captured the attention of one of his idols, Prince.
He was even able to jam out and gain advice from the famed Paisley Park Studios. Prince himself has said that Harts reminded him of what he was like when he was younger, but that he wanted him to create his own unique sound so that he didn’t fall into his shadow or be labelled an imitator.
On Breakthrough, Harts proves that he isn’t just following his idol’s footsteps, but has carved a unique pathway that is truly his own. The EP grooves in the name of personal or social change. A strong motif of unity, and issues like the state of social justice in the world today are blasted out through funk-driven beats. Tracks like Breakthrough and When A Man’s a Fool are edgy and guitar driven, with enough raw power to musically punch you in the face. The guitar work is brilliant on these tracks with a clear influence of blues, teeming with funk energy.
Streets begins with an epic tidal wave of Hendrix-esque guitar wailing before crashing into the power chant, “Is this a fight for freedom or simply fighting in the streets.” Seven Eight demonstrates his ability to compose passionately catchy lyrics and silky hooks that would have been right at home at Woodstock. Ain’t Too Far Gone is an inspiring closure to the bluesy trip that is Breakthrough. Soft falsetto vocals give way to a howling guitar solo and splashing drums in the album’s finale and it’s clear that Harts is brimming with an uncontainable vigour.
He is set to play Splendour In The Grass this year, and he has a massive tour in support of the EP. Check out all the details below and be sure to catch him at a show to witness Harts in all his guitar-shredding glory.
Friday 5 June – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
Sunday 6 June – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
Monday 7 June – The Loft, Warrnambool
Friday 12 June – Amplifier, Perth
Saturday 13 June – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
Sunday 14 June – Newport Hotel, Fremantle
Friday 19 June – Republic Bar, Hobart
Thursday 25 June – Moonshine, Sydney
Friday 26 June – The Cambridge, Newcastle
Saturday 27 June – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
Friday 3 July – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Saturday 4 July – Transit Bar, Canberra
Thursday 9 July – The Gapview Hotel, Alice Springs
Friday 10 July – The Foundry, Brisbane
Saturday 11 July – The Great Northern, Byron Bay
Sunday 12 July – Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast
