Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
Contrary to popular belief, not all roads lead to Rome, some have the extraordinary fortune to defy the straight progression and are able to double back on themselves to restart the journey, to offer a moment of reflection whilst the engine turns over, and then, with passion, restart in earnest and with the vehicle of expression in fifth gear, storm the future as Rome only beckons if part of a European tour, and with satisfaction that where you started in Harrison Drive was the most important stop along the way.
If the road to Rome starts anywhere, it could be that the foursome who make up Harrison Drive, Ben Huyton, Ben Jones, Mike Ryan, and Jack Wade know exactly the grid position on the map in which to strike out from; and whilst the road for them has had setbacks and delays, and obstructions litter their path, they have found their own GPS to be a valuable commodity, one that will define the way they go beyond the Merseyside area and onto a national scene.
In the group’s self-titled album, Harrison Drive, the pulse of each moment clocked is of tantalising pleasure, of the heady mix of the scenic route filled with the drama of refusing to allow the breaks to stop them from creating their own plan of achievement. One can step on the gas and put the vehicle in cruise control, or you can believe that your own drive is purer, more exhilarating of you grab the steering wheel and place trust in the engine of your own free will; it is to that end that Harrison Drive not only sound excellent in this album, they have the means to make sure that the transmission is the envy of all.
To be secure in your fortune and statement enough that you embrace the contributions of others is to be bold, understanding, and mindful of your position in the hearts of those who support you, and in the creation of the self-titled recording, to hear Alex Baranowski, Patrick Hibell, Stephen Jones, Frank Ryan, Amber Wells, Nathan Wheddon, Sophia Ben-Yousef, and Mat Leppanen all offer their own stamp of musicianship on songs such as Colour Of The Night, Wee Girl, Bones, Breathe, and About Love, songs that Harrison Drive perform with delight, desire, and a full tank of energetic groove.
Never mind the route that was once visible, what matters is that there is always a direct course of action that will allow Harrison Drive to be reached; an album of grace, Harrison Drive is the long road to freedom.
Ian D. Hall