The Price Of Happiness
Great Divide, 2024
9/10
Listen to The Price Of Happiness
The daughter of the legendary singer-songwriter Jack Hardy, the multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Miranda Hardy certainly inherited some of that DNA, as evidenced by this sincere and timeless sophomore album.
The cozy mood of the title track starts the listen with Hardy’s warm voice amid Travis Scelia’s fluid drumming, and “If You’re Falling” isn’t too far away, where Alex Crossland’s expressive pipes make for an intimate duet.
Further along, “Immature” showcases Hardy’s flowing piano prowess, where soulful backing vocals won’t go unnoticed, while “Fear Of Happy Endings” comes with light melodies, emotive singing and plenty of thoughtful storytelling that tugs on the heartstrings.
Deeper still, “Strawberry Moon” carries an eloquent, folk spirit via the poetic vocals and graceful strings, and “The Metaverse” exits with Joe Berson’s well timed bass that suits the crunchy guitar and more forceful climate which still possesses much beauty.
An easily relatable body of work that touches on folk, pop and Americana, Hardy’s songs are easy to absorb and difficult to forget.
Travels well with: Heather Anne Lomax- The Doman Tracks; Rachael Sage- Another Side