Harri Endersby, Breathe Review
Based in the rugged landscape of County Durham is vocalist, musician and songwriter Harri Endersby. Endersby blends elements of contemporary and traditional folk music to create her imaginative music. Her lyrics invite audiences to escape from the rush of life and step into the quiet joy of being connected to the natural world. Endersby released her debut album Homes/Lives in 2017. She has toured England extensively, playing venues in every corner of the country. The album also earned support from BBC 6Music, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio Wales. On 1st November 2019 Endersby will release her 2nd album titled, Mazes. The new album explores themes of home and belonging, inspired by her deep passion for the North East of England, as well as her ties with the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides. Co-produced by Harri and her husband Rich Endersby-Marsh, the 9-track album features prestigious folk musicians Ciaran Algar, Toby Shaer and Ian Stephenson. Endersby is releasing a new single from the album, “Breathe.” The song features her lovely vocals and harmonies alongside subtle acoustic guitars and a warm, electronica-tinged soundscape.
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Acoustic guitar, Piano and Background Vocals: Harri Endersby
Fiddle: Ciaran Algar
Cajon: Rich Marsh
Fiddle: Toby Shaer
Mandolin: Toby Shaer
Positives:
With angelic vocal harmonies, a growing instrumental background and a form that develops, “Breathe” is a musical journey of beauty and subtleties.
Bottom Line:
In preparation for Endersby’s 2nd album release on the first of November, she is releasing “Breathe.” The song is built with intertwining layers of vocals and acoustic instruments over a steady folk drum feel. Endersby’s voice is breathy as she delivers the well-written lyrics. “Breathe is a song that’s close to my heart,” explains Endersby. “It’s about healing from heartbreak and finding solace in the simplicity and quiet wildness of nature. I think the simple stuff is really restorative, whether that’s being near the sea, or watching the skies change at the end of the day.” The interaction of the vocal parts in the song is captivating, both harmonies and counterpoint lines. The song foreshadows Mazes’ nine songs that celebrate our relationship to the natural world and our relationship to each other. Many of the songs are inspired by Endersby’s surroundings in the North East of England; drawing from its beautiful, rugged coastlines and hills, and its sprawling towns and cities. That organic and introspective lens is conveyed perfectly in “Breathe.” Endersby is a songwriter that has the ability to transform the many layers of our relationship to nature and others and transfer that into beautiful layers of sounds that evoke emotions. That’s the short of it!