Paul Brown reviews the intriguing new eponymous record from Katie Harkin
Hand Mirror
Released: 24.04.20
As disappointed as many of us were when Sky Larkin wound things down, it’s been gratifying to see Katie Harkin secure the greatest side gig of all time as a touring member of Sleater-Kinney. Still, her presence up front and centre has been a miss, so it’s good to have her back with her intriguing new eponymous record.
Harkin is heavily reliant on the intimate mood Katie’s voice and insouciantly catchy guitar lines create, but it works beautifully because she’s a master songwriter. At first it might seem like it’s missing a layer or two but you soon come to realise these insistent hooks have burrowed their way into your brain and there’s going to be no shifting them.