I am pleased to tell you about Harry Kappen, a talented singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist born in the Netherlands. Besides being an independent artist of great repute, Kappen also works as a music therapist whose talent for music is shared with the world in its efforts to heal. Integrating an array of styles with deft musicality, Harry boldly lays himself bare through his passionate lyrics, compelling listeners to reflect on life’s tenderness and beauty. His latest full-length release, “Time will tell,” promises another intellectually and emotionally stirring body of work from this artful rock and pop auteur. Across its diverse songwriting landscape and reflective concepts, it is an invitation to self-discovery that the artist extends—with Kappen’s signature sense of genuineness and flowing attention to detail.
Pop-rock number ‘Cool Down’ opens up the album with an instantly addictive rhythm section and lively instrumentation that draws listeners right from the get-go. Sunny piano and bouncy bass lines add to the feel-good energy of this song. This sets an engaging tone for the diverse sounds to follow. One of the standouts is certainly the raw rock anthem “Where the Volcano is Awake.” The type of passionate guitars and pounding drums one would equate with pent-up emotion, framing an impactful listen. He shows a clear range, from the sweet ballad of “One Life” with its velvety guitar and vulnerable take to the forefront.
Tracks such as the easy-going country pop of “Go with the Tide” calm listeners with their smooth melody and engaging lyrics, while the more upbeat pop/rock empowerment number “Liberation Day” carries motivational times with its rousing sounds. Always thought-provoking, songs like the mystifying “This Is Real to Me” get people on board with some of the finest production styles I’ve ever heard.
Several moments on the album shine with their very seductive rhythmic natures. The elegant guitar playing and soulful, deeply impassioned vocal performance of the title track “Time Will Tell” make for a very immersive listen. Meanwhile, the very experimental “Open Your Heart” does set up a turning point, showing just how different this album is.
I was impressed by how sonically diverse Harry Kappen could make an album while keeping his coherent artistic vision. At every beginning of a track, my ears were on high alert to find new textures, melodies, and experimental production choices. Throughout, each composition astounded me by its differences, and at the same time, it fully realized the artistic potential of Kappen. His generous use of inventive production choices lifted every distinctive melodic idea. It was also stimulating to the ears, as a listener, how much Harry challenged me with such a stylistically colorful and full-of-surprise album.
Whether one’s rocking out or winding down, the work is a poignant and polished album that proves Harry to be a proficient songwriter, qualified for emotional poignancy and aural complexity. Readers will no doubt be greatly appreciative of his latest profoundly pleasurable release. I encourage you to stream “Time will tell” in its entirety on Spotify.
Check Out More From HARRY KAPPEN:
