This 5 track album is based on the idea that 'They say a single flutter of the wings of a butterfly can cause a typhoon half way across the world...' and each track entails the theme in a Blues/Folk genre. Brighton based Frankie Harper prides himself on the honesty of his lyrics and how well they encompass his life experiences and emotions. In his own words, 'The Butterfly Effect' is "...my own representation of balls of energy and inspiration that hit me in the face every so often."
The irony of first track 'The Sea' is how energetic yet gentle and comforting the melody is, making it clear just how hard Frankie has worked on production and overall presentation. But before the first quarter of the track is over, his vocals kick in and let the melody down. Despite how heartfelt they may be, his vocal ability and style just don't match up to his songwriting skill in this track, although the Blues style merges impeccability with the personal woes Frankie shares. The track also allows you to recognise the beauty of nature as well as the build up of a song into something spectacular with additional instruments and vocal lines.
Frantic, feisty and fiery, 'Exit Wounds' which features wonderful guest vocals from Caitlin Stubbs proves that good things come to those who wait, because Harper's vocals improve immensely and vary into more of a Country approach. The variations of dynamics are very subito and classically Country. They also portray Frankie's diverse vocal abilities and awareness of what's currently popular considering how similar its in style to Ed Sheeran's work. As the song concludes it jumps a decade or three with thumping R&B-esque beats, somewhat spoken vocals and overall Urban, angsty flair.
Frankie seems to have kept true to his instincts and himself which shines through in 'Take Flight'. His looped, drifting vocals showcase the variety of his influences and when interspersed with running theme of butterflies 'You'll spread your wings butterfly and take flight before we get too old' prove how well established he already seems in terms of knowing who he is as an artist.
One of Harper's own influences, Syred features on 'Wings' and really adds to its authentic quality. Syred's rapped section also displays the obvious difference between the two vocalist's styles. With its chipper beat and staccato guitar riff, the song brings a naturalistic element to the record and leads perfectly into 'Eye Spy' featuring Aime Harper (who also happens to be Frankie's sister) and Syred. This groovy, upswinging end to 'The Butterfly Effect' is the perfect way to round off the record. The sibling duo are very much in sync with each other, along with Syred, and the track exhibits Frankie Harper smashing conformity and emotionless music.
'The Butterfly Effect' is bursting with hastened guitaring, an array of influences both genre and personal experience wise and undoubtable musical skill. The most significant negative thing to consider about Frankie Harper is how underrated and unknown he is considering how individual, advanced and eclectically original he is.
5/5
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