Reminiscent of alt-rock heavyweights like Halestorm and The Pretty Reckless, Canadian artist Harley Olivia delivers powerhouse vocals and instantly hooky melodies. She has just released her debut full-length album, Let Them Talk – a ten-track alt-rock album about liberating yourself from shame.Each song explores a different part of Harley’s journey, from learning to love herself to confronting the insecurities that come from caring too much about what others think.
“Let Them Talk is basically a collection of things I’ve either been ashamed of or insecure about,” says Harley Olivia. “Every song takes one of those things and digs a little deeper. Some songs are me celebrating a part of me I was taught to hide, and others are me working through my insecurity and fear of failure. By the end of the album, I know who I am and I feel this responsibility to help others liberate themselves too so they can reject societal pressures and propaganda and just be free.”
Let Them Talk kicks off with “MADONNA/WHØRE,” which opens with a brief, mellow interlude before the driving energy and powerhouse vocals kick in. It’s a killer opener, pairing an infectious chorus with a subject that, as a woman, feels all too relatable: the double standards women face simply by existing. “Ready for Battle” follows with an anthemic, insanely catchy chorus that feels like it would be a hit with live audiences.
Celebrating independence and desire, “Animals” boasts explosive riffs and great moments throughout, balancing heaviness and a pared-down section that lets the vocals shine. The album’s turning point arrives with the title track, “Let Them Talk,” which marks a decision to stop letting other people’s opinions dictate how Harley sees herself. Here, she showcases her vocal range and power alongside huge riffs and a heavier sound, making the track a fitting namesake for the album.
“What If It Doesn’t Work Out” takes a more accessible approach, with a slightly poppier spin. It’s hard not to move along to this one, and its catchy, singalong chorus makes it a natural fit for mainstream radio. “Trouble” brings back the heaviness with the alt metal riffs. The powerhouse vocals take charge, with tons of grit and rawness. Meanwhile, “San Francisco” shifts gears, bringing pop-punk and indie rock together for a slight change of pace.
“Mediocre” feels deeply personal, with a mellower vibe without sacrificing the heavy guitars and drums. For a huge dose of attitude, look to “Try Me On for Size,” a track that touches on queer identity and the courage to be honest about what you want.
The album ends with “This Is Your Captain Speaking,” with an explosive chorus that is the perfect cap on a collection of songs that feels like a celebration of self, female empowerment, and learning to take no shit. Harley is the captain now.
Overall, Let Them Talk melds alt rock, pop-rock and melodic metal seamlessly, with Harley Olivia’s huge vocals taking centre stage. Not to be overlooked, producer, guitarist, and co-writer Siegfried Meier shines throughout each track with his incredible guitar work and production. As a whole, the album offers depth and intensity alongside earworms and catchy melody, taking listeners on a personal journey that is sure to inspire.
Stream Let Them Talk by Harley Olivia on your preferred platform:
Spotify / YouTube Music / Apple Music
Follow Harley Olivia on Instagram / TikTok
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