By Libby Driscoll

Fittingly timed with the changing of the seasons, Sheffielders Harri Larkin blossom into their new sound with their latest release, Dopamine… 

Typically known for their jangly acoustic indie rock, Dopamine sees the trio’s sound develop a sharper edge, becoming more akin to ‘90s soft-rock. Swapping out the softer elements of their acoustic-heavy set up for distortion and shiny chorus, their plugged-in sound feels like a seamless progression into the next stage of the band’s development. Regardless of the direction, it’s always inspiring to watch a band experiment in a slightly new light, but it proves to be more of a treat when it pays off. 

What is always particularly endearing about the band is the way in which vocalist Harri Tape turns an exploration of emotion into a luscious endeavour of storytelling, something of which is certainly lived up to in Dopamine. “Is it ‘cause I'm easy? Isn’t it a shame, I cannot express the mess I’ve made”, feels poetically broad enough to apply subjectively, yet accessible enough to not have to dig too deep to connect with the track. 

Though not straying a million miles from their roots, the band have certainly taken strides away from the comforting convenience of sticking to what’s expected of you. The fresh energy of Dopamine lets you fall in love with Harri Larkin all over again, and is the perfect piece to kickstart the soundtrack of Summer.

Harri Larkin

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