Discovering Harsh Symmetry by pure serendipity and owing that largely to Spotify’s auto suggestions I knew I had to catch them when they ventured into Manchester.
Amongst the reasonably well sized audience at YES Basement I noticed an eclectic mix of characters and age groups which accurately reflected the bands diverse yet distinctive sound (Picture a fog ridden chamber of ambience and mystique.)
The pair took the stage in haunting minimal blue lighting and seduced the entire room with their opening song ‘Like an Opiate’. With a sound comparable to the likes of Depeche Mode and The Cure they have a very clear sense of identity and style and singer Julian Sharwarko was only slightly visible under thin veils of mist and darkness but was still recognisable as a gothic porcelain figure of beauty.
The band had few words to say between songs but appeared humbled and grateful and if the morbid swaying of the whole audience throughout proved anything it’s that it was firmly reciprocated.
The bands tracks bled perfectly into one another and not a note appeared out of place and if you closed your eyes, as I often did, you could not differentiate from the recordings.
They ended with their debut single and popular favourite ‘Mirror Twin’ which is a hauntingly beautiful hybrid of darkwave and post punk and an apt closer for such an atmospheric fog filled odyssey.
I anticipate a very bright future from such a promising band whose influences radiate from their music and heavily resonate with their following.
Currently on a European tour next stopping in Paris on 7th Feb Harsh Symmetry are not to be missed particularly for those fond of atmospheric and accomplished songwriting and production that boasts style and substance. I hope to see them again very soon.
Lucas Berry