Til The Ocean Meets The Shore by Karen Harding: Review

by Gabe Finch September 19, 2022

September 19, 2022

Karen Harding is a rising singer-songwriter in the music scene in Melbourne, Australia. She is marking the release of her four-track debut EP “I’ve Got A Secret” by releasing one single per month until the album’s complete release in October. The second track is an indie folk tune titled “Til The Ocean Meets The Shore,” which serves as both a celebration of her personal growth and a promise to keep going.

“Til The Ocean Meets The Shore”, which continues her pursuit of introspective and deep stories that merge poetry with her own life experiences, contains uplifting and heart-touching messages for listeners. It began as a private conversation that she had with herself while sitting alone with her guitar in the midst of the pandemic lockdown. The song’s beginning is likewise reminiscent of its birthplace, with only the raw fingerstyle acoustic guitar backing Harding. As the song proceeds, double bass, piano, and strings join in, and the guitar sounds become richer in their strumming patterns. Overall, the instruments remain organic and intimate, as if you were at a live recording session with her.

This acoustic tune stands out as something authentic and engaging, with luscious textures, a comforting tone, and her own instantly recognizable vocals at the helm. Harding also revealed that the song was so personal to her that she was first hesitant to release it. I’m not sure what prompted her to reconsider, but I’m glad she did. And there’s no question you’d agree with me after hearing it for yourself.