Dean Harlem – ‘Red Oak Hill’ [EP] [Album Review]

Nashville-based Americana/country singer-songwriter Dean Harlem will release his new EP, Red Oak Hill, in June 2024. The EP includes four songs: the title track, “Keep You,” “Hurry Up and Break My Heart,” and “Mendocino Blues.”

The first single, “Keep You,” is now available. According to Harlem, “It’s essentially about the desire to hold onto a fleeting moment and using a song to keep the memory alive.”

Originally from New Jersey, Harlem released his debut EP, Asbury Park, in 2019, followed by 2022’s stand-alone single, “World Without Song.” His sound blends the folk flavors of Americana with the genuine feeling of classic country music.

The title track opens on soft, crying guitars topped by Harlem’s twang-laced vocals. It’s a country voice yet without the over-the-top cloying inflection—just enough Southern drawl to make it appealing and easy on the ears.

“Keep You” rolls out on low-slung, shimmering tones, riding a gentle rhythm that takes on heft on the chorus, adding punch to the tune. Unexpected brass accents infuse the harmonics with delightful, restrained, braying textures that are nonetheless brightly enticing.

Vaguely reminiscent of Hank Williams crossed with George Strait, “Hurry Up and Break My Heart” conveys a prognostic sensation of melancholy as Harlem narrates the inevitable end of his current relationship, pressing his lover to “just play your part.”

Dean Harlem, photo by Corrie Jones

Perhaps the best track on the EP,  there’s a wistful poignancy surrounding “Mendocino Blues.” Although the rhythm is mid-tempo, it comes across as slow because of the song’s aching sadness, a sadness unveiled in Harlem’s moving vocals.

Blessed with an expressive, charismatic voice, Dean Harlem doesn’t hold back on this engaging collection of ballads and torch songs.

Red Oak Hill Track Listing:

1. Red Oak Hill
2. Keep You
3. Hurry Up and Break My Heart
4. Mendocino Blues

Run Time: 14:23
Release Date: June 2024
Record Label: Independent