Following the experimentally charged ‘Norway, Harper Finn returns with another DIY and anthemic palette. ‘Dance Away These Days’ is the sonical love child of INXS’ back catalogue and The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’. Fusing together a rhythmically endearing sound, he immediately commands your attention and has you ready to dance away the next three minutes with him.
The New Zealand singer-songwriter explores the essence of living in the moment, and not getting too lost within your own thoughts. Encouraging people to just put their phone away for a moment and have a dance, it’s a reminder that we all need to embrace every now and then, especially in the current state of the world. “Some day the dark side of the moon will see the light. I wanna float in space, with the music loud, I wanna dance away these days. And if you feel the same, put the phone away, and dance away these days” he sings during the intoxicating chorus.
Beginning with moody synths and keys, the progression immediately reminds me of the start of INXS’ ‘Never Tear Us Apart’. With the song then breaking away from it’s melodramatic and oozing sound, he ignites a disco infused beat that embodies the immediate catchiness and likability of The Weeknd’s ‘Blinding Lights’. With a little atmospheric 3-kick drum beat added into the chorus, he also brings a bit of Lorde’s ‘Ribs’ into the experimental sonical world he’s built. There are so many different DIY elements that make-up the foundations of this song, and it genuinely makes such an interesting and exciting listen.
‘Dance Away These Days’ is a futuristic anthem for Harper Finn, and it’s a song that will hopefully inspire people to tune out and dance to their hearts content for at least three minutes.