Single review

I first came across Harriet Rose (the singer/songwriter, not the DJ/presenter) last year at the wonderful Birkenhead Live festival, hosted by Future Yard. She played a captivating and energetic 30 minute set as a full band with lead, bass and drums accompanying her trusty acoustic. The clues to her musical influences were there then, even before the first chord, as she changed out of her trainers and into a pair of short cowboy boots. The Nashville, country genre didn’t dominate then, however, and nor does it in her latest release, The Table. Instead it provides more of a theme that permeates through the number rather than dominating.

Performing since the age of 12, the Sheffield export is equally at ease behind the microphone as she is on the football pitch or on her longboard. She originally used her family name of Grant to suffix her work moniker but has shortened things in recent years,perhaps to catch more attention. Her voice is engaging and precise, providing both the melody and harmony with adept prowess on this release. There’s a Dido-esque edge to it as it leads you quickly, but soulfully, towards the first chorus, backed only by simple percussion and keys. Once the guitar and bass kick in, however, there’s a freedom to the song which allows her vocals to weave and wander as they paint a picture with wistful maturity.

For this single she has engaged the services of Michael Anderson (Andrew Cushin) from her current North East home on bass guitar and Ed Cosens (Reverend and The Makers) from her home city on electric guitar. Cosens is also involved in the production alongside Dave Sanderson. Percussion is provided by Calvin Hansen. 

The subdued entry matches the song’s message well. Whilst it is undoubtedly written from a female perspective, the address is to us all. Essentially it tells us to share and to talk about our issues and problems (‘everybody’s got one’) as well as to listen; in this case at the metaphorical table. For all its reserved beginning, the number is soon catchy and quickly memorable, moving along with some pace and bounce. It’s a positive, upbeat song with an uplifting tone based upon a grounding sentiment from which we can all learn. Both the words and the music are extremely well written and show a carefully thought out development in musicality which says ‘I am here. This is me’. Showcased on BBC Introducing North East, the song builds on last year’s release, Good Time Honey. 

The self styled ‘Indie Americana’ tag that she has developed has allowed for a semi acoustic feel to The Table. It’s different, it’s unique and may just elevate her beyond playing the many festivals that she has done this summer.  Harriet Rose is clearly a rising talent who is surely ready for wider exposure and greater success based upon this single. 

There’s ’no judgement’ at The Table, but there certainly should be judgement about the single itself; it deserves airplay and it deserves to be successful, as does Harriet Rose herself. Keep an eye, and an ear, out for her.

Words by Duncan Grant

Photos by Duncan Grant/Harriet Roses’s media