Teenage British pop musician HRVY showcases incredible potential on his second EP, ‘Talk to Ya.’ His best moments arrive at the top of the effort with the title track and “Personal.”

The British are coming – British musicians that is! Actually, the British have consistently been an asset to the music market stateside.  Teenage pop artist HRVY is the latest import worth checking out. In the busy holiday season of 2017, his second EP, Talk to Ya likely got lost in the shuffle.  Should it have? Definitely not. HRVY: Don’t take it personal.

“Talk to Ya” kicks things off exuberantly to the nth degree.  This is youthful, energetic urban-infused pop at its best.  The production is sharp, while the vocals by HRVY are even more impressive.  This 18-year old has a superb tone, with falsetto arguably being his best attribute.  The wheel isn’t reinvented, but young Harvey Cantwell is special. He’s even more potent on another bubbly, enthused record, “Personal.” His tone continues to impress, particularly as he ascends to those golden high notes.  From a first listen, “Personal” is catchy and infectious to the nth degree.

On “High,” pitch-shifted vocals continue to find their place within the production.  Nothing wrong with a little gimmickry. More important are his true vocals, which continue to make a statement.  Notably, his lower register vocals are refreshing on the bridge. Listeners hear more of this on the first verse of penultimate joint “I Won’t Let You Down.” As a song, “I Won’t Let You Down” exemplifies the modern pop sound – wacky synths, quick-paced vocals, and anchored by rhythmic drums (at least during the chorus).  HRVY closes things out with another energetic joint, “Heartbroken.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, HRVY seems to have a bright future. Talk to Ya isn’t the ‘second coming’ of pop music, but to many, it serves as a fine introduction to a viable, future star.  The potential is clear throughout the course of Talk to Ya.  Does the EP lose some steam after the one-two punch of “Talk to Ya” and “Personal?” A bit, but with even stronger material, and continual vocal maturity, HRVY is a musical juggernaut in the making.

Gems: “Talk to Ya” & “Personal”

HRVY • Talk to Ya (EP) • Virgin • Release: 11.30.17

Photo Credit: Virgin