I’m Feeling Things is the latest release by Nova Scotia songwriter and one-man-band Harley Alexander. The record is a true author’s work, with Alexander writing, arranging, and performing most of the instruments and vocals.
Production in I’m Feeling Things is raw and utilitarian. The performance sidesteps the type of over-polish frequently found in today’s commercial releases, and because of this some of the rhythm parts and vocal harmonies can feel pretty loose. This doesn’t necessarily work against the record, which is clearly going for a more honest, down to earth spirit.
Instead, as with some of the rawest solo explorations by musicians like Syd Barrett and John Frusciante, the carefully constructed music here hints at a more complex creative mind than expected from the minimalist sound. The question of artistic merit vs. infinite budgets/technology comes to mind again.
I’m Feeling Things is a short collection of very effective pop songs, but with enough interesting turns to keep dedicated listeners engaged. Style-wise, I would broadly classify I’m Feeling Things as a lo-fi, indie-pop record. Depending on your experience it might remind you of something like The Velvet Underground or Cake.
Front and center, we have Alexander’s voice, delivered in the type of detached, almost conversational monotone I associate with Lou Reed. Words are sung with clarity and intention, and this conspires with the minimalist production to make the lyrics shine.
Most of the songs deal with the ordinary and — fittingly — with how it can make us feel when nobody’s watching. I was especially grabbed by the fifth track, “Exactly You Now.” The entire song is a list of things the protagonist intends to change on behalf of someone else, but the lack of enthusiasm in the delivery really sells it. It’s everyday, and funny, and almost defeatist, but still curiously compelling. An edit of this song (the longest in a record full of three-minute bangers) would make for a great radio single, and an easy favourite.
My favourite instead is the closing number, “Riverbank.” This is a very chill ballad in a doo-wop style, and it mostly seems to deal with themes of vulnerability and pleasant scenes in nature. The song also features a very swing-like back and forth between the vocals and a saxophone.
If you’re in the mood for a solid day-starter or the soundtrack for your next autumn colours drive, give I’m Feeling Things a spin or ten. Be warned though, you might just catch feelings.