Happy Release Day Ren Harvieu
Anyone who believes there are no second chances needs to be re-introduced to Ren Harvieu. Seven years after her Top Five debut album, having overcome a life-threatening injury, the Salford-born singer-songwriter returns with Revel In The Drama, a brilliant, bolder and broader take on her timeless pop classicism, a compelling diary of a struggle with self-belief, a release of pent-up tension and a celebration of liberation and survival. Think of Revel In The Drama as Harvieu’s second debut album, a new beginning.
Harvieu’s defiance against the odds and her willingness to lay herself open to make what she believed was within her is baked into every groove of the record, across every stylistic turn: the giddy pop of ‘Strange Thing’, the gothic swoon of ‘Cruel Disguise’, the smoky seductiveness of ‘Yes Please’ through to the stirring torchsong finale ‘My Body She Is Alive’.
“An album that puts her rich, romantic voice against a glamorous 1950s ballad setting… This is a celebratory, joyous return.” The Times – 4 stars ****
“Irrespective of it’s grounding in 60s and 70s soul-pop, Revel In The Drama is thrillingly fresh… This album confirms Harvieu should always have been in the driving seat.” The i – 4 stars ****
“A triumph… This life-affirming dose of dreamy retro pop confirms her great talent and lovely, silky voice.” The Sun – 4 stars ****
“A modern spin on classic pop melodrama, all strings and torch ballads.”Daily Mail – 4 stars ****
“The sweet melodies fit Ren’s songwriting shift to uplift and empowerment perfectly… A handsome return.” Daily Mirror – 4 stars ****
“A record that propels Harvieu back under the spotlight as a grown-up pop force with weaponised survival instincts… The music gleams with a steely determination to be heard… Golden-age glamour, neon-smeared Hollywood strings and propane-fuelled torch songs… The stars, finally, seem to be right where she wants them.” MOJO – 4 stars ****
“Gorgeously uplifting… Harvieu’s voice is as vividly beautiful as ever.” Mail On Sunday – 4 stars **** (Album of the Week)
“With it’s timeless songwriting, Revel In The Drama boasts a cabaret-esque quality, like Nick Cave doing Broadway, it’s dark side balanced by a twist of mischievousness.” Long Live Vinyl – 8/10
“Harvieu returns at last… Strange Thing’s a string-adorned, dynamic carnival and Cruel Disguise’s twanging guitars and growling organs confirm it’s titles dark dramas… Her rich, empathetic vocal swoops gracefully from note to note.” Classic Pop – 4 stars ****
