Originally hailing from Manchester, singer-songwriter and film composer James Harries has spent the last two decades staking his claim as one of the most compelling names in modern folk. Now splitting his time between the UK and the Czech Republic, he’s earned a reputation as a magnetic live performer, equally at home in intimate folk clubs or on festival stages. Over the years, he’s toured extensively across Europe, the UK, and the USA, performing both solo and with his band, while playing alongside the likes of Glen Hansard, Jamie Cullum, Oh Wonder, Fairport Convention and even the legendary Wayne Shorter.
With an output that includes albums, film soundtracks and live recordings, James has fostered a sound that feels timeless and entirely his own, pieced together by emotion, melodic flair and a knack for storytelling. His voice has carried him through a catalogue that’s gathered millions of streams and a devoted fanbase across Europe and beyond.
Sharing his solo sonic vision, he first made his entrance back in 2022 with the debut album Chapter IV and in the years that followed, he released a series of LPs, multiple singles, film soundtracks and a live EP. His latest record titled Love & Desire presents a project born not from detailed planning but from letting go of control entirely.
The story behind his brand new record begins with a simple accident; James’ young son found an old film camera, loaded it up and captured a roll of skewed, overexposed images. When the photos came back, something clicked for James, a reminder that beauty often lies in imperfection. He decided to abandon the album he was working on and start again, this time embracing spontaneity and Love & Desire drifted into focus as an album recorded over just three days with friends in the studio.
No click tracks, no overdubs, no overthinking, just musicians in a room, responding to each other in real time, trusting the songs to breathe. Opened by the warm piano chords of “Sabotage,” James’ soulful voice hovers above as he spins elegant melodic lines carrying heartfelt lyricism, offering a charming and stripped back curtain raiser on the album.
Lead single “Shivers Down My Spine” brings a gentle groove of pulsing rhythm and graceful vocal performance which channels the spirit of early Van Morrison, casting a catchy folk pop scene brimming with delightful songwriting and absorbing performance. With “I Didn’t Come Here To Fight,” he presents an emotive, downtempo outing that glows with tender vocals and mellow rhythmic sway while the soft indie folk energy of songs like “I Want Out” crafts a dreamy experience full of hushed vocals and immersive arrangement.
The title track “Love & Desire” brings everything together to deliver a mellow folk pop soundscape of steady percussion, calm piano backing and moving vocals before the bright, melodic lift of “Paris” offers a slice of stunning country soul. Closing the record with “Ungrateful Heart,” the subtly upbeat sound of lightly bouncy instrumentation and shuffling drums capped by James’ alluring provides a superb finale to his incredible new record.
Released via Tranzistor/Supraphon, Love & Desire finds James Harries embracing the essence of what makes his music so magical, sincerity without pretence. As he prepares to take the album on a European tour this autumn, he’s set to bring the release alive on stage where he’ll no doubt dazzle scores of both new and existing fans.
Listen to Love & Desire below
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