Harlem Lake - The Mirrored Mask (2024)

With The Mirrored Mask, Dutch band Harlem Lake announces their highly anticipated second album, set to be released on September 27th under Jazzhaus Records. Following their critically acclaimed debut album A Fool's Paradise, Vol. 1 from 2021, the band from Haarlem, near Amsterdam, once again presents an eclectic mix of blues, rock, and Americana. However, Harlem Lake refuses to be pigeonholed, using these genres definitions merely as loose creative inspiration, resulting in a fresh and timeless sound. The Mirrored Mask is an energetic work, opening with two outstanding singles: Carry On and Fooled Again. While Carry On impresses with powerful vocals by frontwoman Janne Timmer and sophisticated brass arrangements, Fooled Again showcases a funkier side of the band, with guitarist Sonny van den Berg displaying his distinct skills. The album features a wide range of styles and moods, from danceable tracks like Beggars Can't Choose to moving ballads like The Thought Of You. The latter is characterized by its gentle instrumentation and melancholic lyrics, reminiscent of folk-Americana greats like Kacey Musgraves or Katie Pruitt. With tracks like Crying In A Desert, Harlem Lake then also surprises listeners with a uniquely atmospheric road song à la J.J. Cale, complete with an impressive guitar solo. The highlight of the album is undoubtedly the title track The Mirrored Mask, which showcases the full range of Harlem Lake's musical abilities. Concluding the album, the band presents two more highlights, Temptation and Jack In The Box, skillfully rounding out the album with blues, jazz, and Americana flair. From powerful rock numbers to intimate ballads, the album offers a multifaceted listening experience that will captivate both fans and newcomers alike. Known for their dynamic live performances as winners of the European Blues Challenge 2022, the band will be presenting the songs from The Mirrored Mask on an extensive tour through Europe.