In an era where singer-songwriters often lean heavily on production to carry their message, Emma Harner’s debut EP, Taking My Side, stands out as a rare work of authenticity and technical brilliance. Released today across all platforms, the five-track collection is a masterclass in emotional precision, blending the intricate guitar work of math rock with the confessional intimacy of folk. For Harner, a Nebraska-born, Boston-based artist who first gained attention through viral social media covers, this EP isn’t just an introduction—it’s a statement of artistic identity, a chronicle of personal upheaval, and a testament to the power of musical craftsmanship.
A Sonic and Emotional Journey
From the opening notes of “False Alarm,” it’s clear that Taking My Side is more than just a set of songs—it’s a narrative arc. The track, which previously served as a single, sets the tone with its restless energy and lyrical unease, capturing the disorientation of displacement. Harner’s voice, warm yet laced with tension, floats over fingerpicked guitar patterns that shift unexpectedly, mirroring the song’s theme of instability. It’s a perfect entry point, drawing listeners into a world where technical skill and raw feeling coexist.
The EP’s previously released tracks, “False Alarm” and “Do It,” already hinted at Harner’s ability to balance complexity with accessibility. But it’s the three new songs—“Yes Man,” “Lifetimes,” and “Again”—that truly solidify her vision. “Yes Man,” the thematic anchor of the record, is a slow-burning revelation, dissecting the pitfalls of people-pleasing with sharp self-awareness. “I say yes when I mean no / I fold before the fight even starts,” she admits, her voice layered over a guitar progression that feels both meticulous and spontaneous. The track builds to a cathartic climax, with Harner’s playing becoming more urgent as she declares, “This time, I’m taking my side.” It’s a defining moment, not just for the EP but for Harner as an artist stepping into her own power.
Meanwhile, “Lifetimes” drifts into more existential territory, its melody unfolding like a half-remembered dream. The lyrics grapple with impermanence and self-doubt (“Will I ever get it right? / Or am I just passing time?”), but the song’s arrangement—alternating between sparse verses and lush, harmonized swells—keeps it from feeling heavy. Instead, it’s meditative, even hopeful, a reflection of Harner’s ability to turn introspection into something expansive.
The closing track, “Again,” is the EP’s quiet gut-punch. A meditation on cyclical heartbreak, it strips back the instrumentation to little more than Harner’s voice and a gently picked guitar. The simplicity works in its favor, making the lyrics (*”I keep waiting for the day it doesn’t hurt like this / But it always does”) feel devastatingly immediate. It’s a stark contrast to the EP’s more intricate moments, proving that Harner doesn’t need technical flourishes to land an emotional blow.
The Guitar as a Storytelling Tool
What sets Taking My Side apart from other confessional projects is Harner’s guitar work, which functions as a second voice throughout the EP. Her playing—rooted in math rock’s rhythmic complexity but infused with folk’s expressiveness—never feels like mere accompaniment. On “Do It,” the guitar lines twist and stutter, mirroring the song’s theme of miscommunication. On “Lifetimes,” harmonics and open-string drones create a sense of weightlessness, reinforcing the lyrics’ existential drift. Even at its most technically impressive, though, her playing never overshadows the songwriting. Instead, it deepens it, adding layers of meaning that words alone couldn’t convey.
This balance is a testament to Harner’s influences, which seem to span from Nick Drake’s quiet intensity to American Football’s intricate phrasing. Yet her sound remains distinctly her own—a blend of unshowy virtuosity and lyrical directness that feels refreshing in a landscape where many artists either hide behind production or prioritize skill over substance.
A Debut That Feels Like a Mid-Career Triumph
Most debut projects serve as a tentative first step, but Taking My Side arrives fully formed, as if Harner has been honing this sound for years. Perhaps she has—her early social media covers showcased not just her technical ability but her knack for reinterpretation, finding new emotional dimensions in familiar songs. Now, with original material, she proves she doesn’t need the crutch of others’ work to shine.
The EP also benefits from a cohesive yet dynamic production approach. Recorded with a live, organic feel, the tracks avoid the over-polished sheen that often plagues indie debuts. Instead, there’s a sense of space and spontaneity—the sound of an artist playing in real time, thinking in real time, feeling in real time.
The Road Ahead
With Taking My Side, Emma Harner doesn’t just announce herself as a guitarist to watch or a songwriter of depth—she establishes herself as both, simultaneously. In a genre that often separates technical players from emotive storytellers, she refuses the dichotomy, offering something richer: music that satisfies the head and the heart.
As she prepares to tour this material—fresh off supporting Orla Gartland and sharing stages with mxmtoon and Tiny Habits—it’s clear that Harner is poised for bigger things. This EP is the sound of an artist finding her voice, and it’s a voice worth hearing.
Final Verdict: 9/10 – A debut that feels like a classic in the making, Taking My Side is technical without being sterile, intimate without being small, and deeply human in a way that lingers long after the last note fades.
Listen to Taking My Side:
Streaming Platforms
Pre-Order Vinyl:
Relentless Merch Store
Follow Emma Harner:
[@emmaharnermusic]
Rome is a freelance writer and photographer. He brings a fresh perspective to the indie music scene and highlights emerging artists and underground movements. His writing style is drawn from personal experiences and a deep love for the art form.