Track of the Day: Harlow’s Monkeys – Pleasure
Combining poignant but amusing lyricism with delicate, sparse melodies, songwriter-songwriter and producer Tommy P. takes you on a sonic journey as Harlow’s Monkeys. This is not my introduction to Harlow’s Monkeys, but his passion and uniqueness always make it seem as if this is my first time listening to his discography. Along with The Other Side Reviews, Harlow’s Monkeys has turned heads with features on Stereo Stickman, Less Than 1000 Followers, and other playlists. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Pleasure’.
From his poignant single ‘Fresh Terror Machine’ to the anthemic dance track ‘Gravity’, Harlow’s Monkeys explores human culture, social situations and existential issues facing humanity. In ‘Pleasure’ he continues to spin cutting stories with personal narratives. Tommy P. explains that ‘Pleasure’ is “…a seductive entrancing song about the perils of chasing the next high” – in other words, he looks at recklessness, frustration and obsession in the almost four-minute sonic package.
While ‘Pleasure’ retains the danceable, toe-tapping anthemic quality of the previous track ‘Gravity’, this is where the similarity ends. Showcasing his diversity, we see (or rather hear) a movement from jovial pop to harder indie-rock in ‘Pleasure’. The sonic representation of a dark reality and psyche, the new single has a harder, tougher and more raw feel to it. A melodic combination of pounding drums and electric guitar meld elegantly with Harlow’s Monkeys’ warm vocals. What I truly enjoy is the Spanish flair woven into the arrangement – something obscure and intriguing.
So, what is my overall opinion of Harlow’s Monkeys ‘Pleasure’? Personally, I adore the song. It has power, charm, sentimentality, indulgence and a palpable grittiness to it. I cannot wait for more from Harlow’s Monkeys.
For more from Harlow’s Monkeys check out his Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
