The harriWattsband - Comin' Out By Elsie Creek

The harriWattsband, purveyors of fine melodies, have finally decided to take the momentous step for which we have waited so long. Comin' out. I have been honoured with the task of communicating to you the important knowledge: has it been worth the wait? 'Tis not a simple answer of yay or nay. hWb currently consists of two civilised and distinguished gentlemen, Derek Harrison and Dave Watts. Mr Harrison strums and plucks his guitar beautifully and takes lead vocals, while Mr Watts is the evocative and gifted violinist.

Though that was also their initial line-up, they have not always existed in the same incarnation. The recording of this, their taster CD, has coincided with the controversial addition of a third band member. The fact that she is no longer with them is testament to her less-than-successful input to the music. The harriWattsband's songs are incredibly difficult to accompany. Comin' out shows quite clearly the mixed effects achieved by using different instruments. Mr Watts' haunting refrains and frenetic passages on the violin have always combined beautifully with Mr Harrison's guitar and vocals. However, keyboard backing seems to work less well with this style of guitar-led music. At times the flute sounds even more incongruous and tuneless.

On the other hand, some of the pieces are improved by the addition of piano, backing vocals or second violin. All six songs on this mini-album I have heard live, both with and without the extra instruments. As far as I am concerned, the tracks can be roughly divided into those which have been enhanced and those which have been ruined. Still, despite my uncertainty about parts of the CD, generally speaking this is an excellent band, and I am glad they have at last made a solid recording of their work. It fulfils its aim: to give the flavour of the quality and variety of The harriWattsband's music.

I was somewhat dismayed at Track 1: It's the moon, Baby; the keyboard part is not in line with the style of the original. What was a joyous and flirtatious piece has become more of a nursery song. If you can ignore the keyboard, however, or better still digitally remove it, you can just about hear what the song ought to sound like. This is very good live, so I would recommend experiencing it at an hWb gig before listening to this record. Track 2: Sun Lady is an improvement, though it may only be because the song's class stands up better to the incursion of an alien instrument. The flute begins quite nicely, but quickly outstays its welcome. Still; 'tis a pleasant and romantic little ditty, conjuring images of summer meadows, floaty skirts and smiles.

Comin' out is the title track, and it is with great relief that I am able to inform you that, not only is it an excellent piece, but the piano really works rather well. The age-old story of confused sexuality, self-denial and heartache . . . it fair warms my very soul. There can hardly be a sprat among you who cannot relate to this; if not to the main subject of the lyrics, then surely to the ignorant behaviour of the uncomprehending idiots who like to take the piss. Track 4: Angel Eyes is one for the ladies, and a favourite request at gigs.

It is unfortunately another piece in which the flute becomes rather too prominent. The subject matter is somewhat clichéd, but I cannot help a certain weakening of my feeble knees at the sound of Mr Harrison's gruff-yet-gentle tone.

Personally, I far prefer the testosterone-filled Track 5: This need in me. The chivalrous sentiment portrayed is that of an unhappily lusting man who is too much of a sweetheart to wake the object of his desire. A highly commendable theme, as I am sure you would agree, were you yourselves more noble. Alas, outside our heroic harriWatters such figures of tender masculinity are but legend and fiction. I will even go so far as to compliment the use of dual violins, which I can thankfully say has been accomplished with great success.

In traditional form, the boys have saved the best until last. Poor Billy is atmospheric, well-executed and generally damn fine. The use of synthesiser is interesting, and at times highly effective, while the addition of ghostly female vocals is a masterstroke. This track takes the limelight and eclipses any minor mediocrities that have gone before. There are those who feel that if you go to war you should take the consequences with grace, but with this song The harriWattsband succeed in giving an intense taster of the unhappy experience of one poor boy and his family.

The band is having a Comin' out gig-cum-party at the Blue Lamp on Wednesday, 4th August, which is the release date of the CD.

I strongly urge you to attend, and hear them now they are again but two. Then I suggest you purchase Comin' out and decide for yourselves whether my comments are fair.

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