Fleeting Persuasion is the latest endeavour of J M S Harrison, a project that has him transitioning away from his forthright solo music in favour of the denser sound of a full band. He dropped his debut album Forever Caught under the new moniker late last year, a collection of songs that flitter at the edges of alternative rock and shoegaze while keeping a clear eye on classic songwriting. These ten tracks eventually amounted with the turbulent near-title-track ‘Caught’ which closed out the record, a song that Harrison fittingly released with a new clip last month, to finally close the curtain on the album before moving onto the next chapter.

After opening with a tangle of chiming guitars over a rolling backbeat, ‘Caught’ stumbles upon an ambling groove and begins to unfold gently. Immaculately crafted, the ethereal layers of instrumentation swirl and blend, blossoming into an intoxicatingly lush soundscape with Harrison’s ragged voice sitting at the core. There’s a constant sense of motion about the track, as unique guitars lines continually emerge and dissipate - however, this ebb and flow isn’t set in stone. Before long, the track’s mesmerising grooves shift towards a darker edge, powered by an incessant push that engulfs the track’s soothing elegance and replaces it with something far more sinister and volatile.

Despite the hazy effects that keep Harrison’s vocals from fully emerging from the murky background, the track avoids becoming woozy or translucent, by maintaining a deep-seated melancholy that flows throughout. Yet ‘Caught’ is far more subversive than it is heart-rending - the kind of song that can wash over you, but subtly makes its way under your skin while doing so.

It’s an illusive atmosphere, yet one that makes ‘Caught’ all the more compelling. To dig a little deeper, we had James talk us through some of the key influences on his striking sound.


Japanese Breakfast

I was getting a little jaded by jangly indie-pop last year in general before taking a punt on Japanese Breakfast. Something stood out amongst the sea of similar bands out there. Feels like there's just an extra bite and vigour to the songwriting, from only two albums so far. 'Machinist' could be just the greatest modern song and video of well, the modern times and beyond.


Sophie Hutchings

I don't think I've gone a day in over six years without listening to Sophie's music. Soundtracked many years, houses, travels, nightwalks etc. Her first recordings surfaced on MySpace which had vocals but were never properly released I think. Since then many albums have come out very regularly & are mostly instrumental. Favourite album is Byways.

Hardly missed a show as well, most memorable being in a church somewhere in Richmond yonks ago. They are truly incredible experiences.


The Raveonettes

Was very late to the game with this band. By chance happened to hear 'She Owns The Street' in the Gasometer front bar. The beauty of Shazam or I may have googled a lyric to figure out who it was.

Around that time, they were releasing a song a month off Atomized, which could be my favourite album, but I also love Pe'ahi and Raven In The Grave. Very much an "album" band, often solid start to finish. 'Killer In The Streets' is a great example of a song and band that is very near perfect.


Chromatics

Endless hypnotic grooves from this band. Vocals from Ruth that are almost emotionless in delivery but kinda punch you in the guts. Overall I love how their melodies and song structures don't really ever stray from the path. Generally they just kinda lock into a mood and stay there. Maybe just taking the foot off the pedal for a few bars then kick back into gear. Lots of good stuff on the Italians Do It Better label!


Stevie Nicks

For some reason Stevie solo could be a bigger deal than Fleetwood for me, and it comes back to something I love about a certain style of songwriting. An aimlessness, almost structureless style that features on this song and some other songs from those early to mid 80s solo records by Stevie. Almost streams of consciousness, rather than verse/chorus vibes. Not to mention that fabulous 80s recording sound that gets better with age.


Bored Nothing/Wedding Ring Bells

Always listen to Fergus Miller in both these projects. Songs that contain barely a soft whisper but carry so much weight. Lyrics that tell you everything and nothing at the same time. So many songs I love with a rare ability to never get sick of no matter how often you listen. Timeless melodies.