- Sometimes writing music that's raw and truthful can be a difficult challenge and other times it can be a cathartic release for both the performer and the listener. With Some Kinds in mind, the debut EP from Perth local Tanaya Harper, it's definitely the latter. A deeply personal narrative about living with the struggles of mental health issues, her EP is deceptive. Sometimes pretty and light but other times depressing and full of angst, Some Kinds is a brave first effort for Harper.
Graceless, the opening track on the EP is a soft, tantalising ballad that is equal parts beautiful and heartbreaking. A simple melody line is flanked with haunting harmonies that echo in your head like unwanted thoughts, and intricate but subtle guitar riffs provided by Stella Donnelly. The track personifies what it feels like to be permanently subjected to your own internal monologue of anxious thoughts. The crisp, treble-heavy production combined with the airy fragility of Harper's voice create a tranquil dynamic that teeters on the edge of breaking - you're not sure if you're about to be rocket launched into a cacophony of emotion or lulled back into a false sense of security - either way, this track hits all of those marks.
Some could say this concept is trite and overdone, but Tanaya Harper has put a fresh spin on the whole thing and it's surprisingly cheery. While she lacks the metaphorical lyrical prowess of similar artists like Julien Baker, her voice has a truthful quality to it, which is sometimes an overlooked trait in music of this genre. Maybe the lyrical content will mature over time - or maybe she'll find the right combination of meds - but either way, the right energy is there, and the honesty is there, and even with just that Harper is managing to do a pretty damn good job at creating haunting ballads that make you feel something.
A budding master at playing with the heartstrings, Tanaya Harper is definitely on the right path with her musical journey. Full of fragility and vulnerability, Some Kinds is the kind of record that should come with a free box of tissues with every purchase. Whilst Harper has room for growth, this EP is definitely a signal for great things to come.
- Olivia Shoesmith.