By: Staff
We had the pleasure of experiencing Survival, the debut album of the immensely talented up-and-coming artist Harry Cleverdon, and it was nothing short of captivating. This collection of songs is a testament to his artistry, blending raw emotion, intricate storytelling, and masterful musical execution.
Launching straight into the first track, "House of Cards," the song immediately grips the listener with an energetic four-count intro, followed by chiming, resonant country-style guitars that set a high-energy tone. When Cleverdon’s vocals emerge, they command attention—his delivery is both dramatic and resolute, instantly pulling us into the song’s emotional depths. He lays down a powerful narrative of love unraveling, opening with:
"That’s OK I guess / 'Cause we made this mess / It’s only love on the line."
There’s a striking honesty in these lyrics, revealing an artist willing to own his role in a failing relationship while infusing a subtle, biting sarcasm. It’s rare for a musician to establish such an intimate, transparent connection with listeners so quickly, yet Cleverdon accomplishes this effortlessly. His vocal tone and delivery radiate authenticity, enhancing the song’s meaning with every note. As the track builds in intensity, the slide guitar wails in haunting beauty, leading into a gut-punch of a chorus:
"Darling, can’t you see / We’re a house of cards / 'Cause we fall apart / When things get hard / No, it’s not smart that we build it up just to knock it down."
This is a stellar metaphor for a fragile relationship, poetically describing both its depth and instability. The songwriting is sharp and evocative, but what truly cements this song’s impact is Cleverdon’s vocal performance. His technical control—marked by unique phrasing, nuanced syllabic emphasis, and an emotional weight that lingers long after each lyric—is stunning. His voice is so distinct and personal that it’s hard to imagine anyone else covering this song without hearing Cleverdon’s imprint on it. The track’s dynamic shifts, dramatic pauses, and well-placed instrumental interludes create a breathtaking push-and-pull effect. The supporting instrumentation, from punchy drum fills to layered acoustic and slide guitars, crafts a lush sonic landscape that only heightens the power of Cleverdon’s performance. By the song’s conclusion, we found ourselves chanting along to the chorus, rooting for love to find "one more shot." We were absolutely taken aback and thrilled with this album already.
Next, we dove into "Survival," and if we thought we had already heard stunning vocals, this track took them to another level. Beginning with a twinkling slide guitar intro, the song is once again, unmistakably country, yet it quickly becomes apparent that Cleverdon’s voice is the star of the show. His ability to tell a story so vividly that it plays out in the listener’s mind is remarkable. The first verse strikes hard:
"You asked me how I cope so well / With growing up in this living hell."
Here, Cleverdon encapsulates the essence of country music: raw, heartfelt storytelling woven into a melody that lingers. His delivery is poignant, balancing restraint and explosive crescendos in a way that grips the listener. The dramatic pauses before each surge of emotion are impeccably timed, making every note land with greater impact. As the track unfolds, his vocal control—marked by intricate runs, controlled vibrato, and soaring high notes—creates an atmosphere of longing and resilience. The imagery is so rich, it’s as if we can see him standing in a field under brooding clouds, his voice powerful enough to part the sky.
A standout moment comes with the lyrics:
"Oh, it’s so easy to be the victim / Have your problems, don’t try to fix them."
This biting observation is delivered with such conviction that it resonates deeply. The outro strips the production back to reveal a ballad-like rawness, leaving us absolutely spellbound. It’s a performance that lingers long after the last note fades.
Among the many standout tracks we landed on, "Superman (Late Night Trance)" captured our attention with its intricate, swift guitar work, immediately setting a contemplative tone. Cleverdon’s soft, almost whispered delivery in the opening moments creates an intimate atmosphere, as if he’s singing directly to the listener. His ability to convey deep, personal reflections with such subtlety is a rare gift.
As the track progresses, the song evolves from delicate musings to a full-throated roar, mirroring the emotional turbulence Cleverdon so masterfully conveys. The interplay between the punchy drum patterns and the slide guitars, weaving in and out of the melody like a call-and-response, adds layers of depth and texture. His dynamic vocal shifts—ranging from restrained storytelling to a soaring declaration of strength—are mesmerizing. The final falsetto-laced lines cement his prowess as a technically skilled and emotionally compelling vocalist. It’s pure country magic.
After experiencing Survival in its entirety, one thing is clear: Harry Cleverdon is a masterful storyteller, a gifted instrumentalist, and a vocal powerhouse. His ability to create raw, authentic, and deeply personal music allows listeners to forge an immediate connection with his work. This album is an absolute standout emotional journey, seamlessly blending modern country elements with a timeless, organic feel. Cleverdon's artistry feels tangible, rooted in real experiences and an unwavering commitment to storytelling. We strongly urge you to immerse yourself in this album—it won’t take long for you to become a fan, just as we did.
Harry Cleverdon’s Survival is a masterclass in country storytelling, delivered with raw emotion and vocal brilliance.
Harry Cleverdon is a country-born and farm-raised singer-songwriter whose music effortlessly bridges traditional storytelling with contemporary melodies. His debut album, Survival (2025), showcases his deep passion for authentic songwriting and his undeniable ability to connect with listeners on a profound level. With a quiet charm and a natural ear for melody, Cleverdon creates songs that linger long after they’ve played, from the emotionally charged "Survival" to the introspective "Superman (Late Night Trance)." His music is entirely self-written, recorded, and produced, with the final polish provided by the expert mastering of Rick O’Neil at TurtleRock Mastering. Every note and lyric reflects Cleverdon’s dedication to his craft, cementing his place as a rising force in country music.
We highly recommend Survival by Harry Cleverdon.
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