Australian singer-songwriter Harrison Storm’s newest album, Empty Garden, builds upon the raw emotion crafted in Wonder, Won’t You?, which was his debut album last year. A true exploration of finding yourself after heartbreak and loss, Storm has beautifully built a whole new cozy world within Empty Garden. Storm inherits inspiration from artists such as Bon Iver and Jeff Buckley, which is clear in his emotional storytelling and powerful instrumentals.
Opening the album, “For Your Love” delivers strong emotional connection from the first note, making this track a strong beginning to an ocean of passion and longing. Storm sings of deep sadness and regret, wondering “Why’d I leave…did I make a scar?” To end the first track of this album, Storm proclaims “For your love, I waited…”, a short but poignant statement that not only sets the tone for Empty Garden, but is also relatable to many who listen.
While listening through this album, I found myself going back to “Someone Else” many times, an extraordinary tale of realization and pain seen from both perspectives in a relationship that seemingly slips between each other’s fingers. Featuring Swedish singer-songwriter Winona Oak, this track delivers powerful vocals from Storm and Oak, perfectly displaying the sorrow and grief of slowly, but somehow all at once, losing your person to someone (or something) else. I was immediately fascinated by the track, and I have no doubt that listeners of all ages will find something familiar here.
To close out Empty Garden, “Am I Dreaming” is an introspective look at better times, living within the daydream of past happiness. In the beginning, this track is a temporary release from the grief of losing that once-in-a-lifetime love, and thinking back to sunny days, adventures, and even the mundane that was somehow still marvelous with that person. Towards the end of the song, the feeling of great loss weighs heavy again, but is also filled with a sense of wonder for the future.
Empty Garden is truly an idyllic artistic journey of love, loss, and grief. Harrison Storm’s compelling narrative and captivating artistry paired with dynamic instrumentals feels like a walk on the beach during a stormy day: beautiful, somber, and hopeful.
This album has definitely earned a permanent place in my library.
Listen to Empty Garden here:
