When we last tuned into The Harbours, they had just charmed us with the breezy and nostalgic "So Sweet," a song that perfectly captured the essence of carefree romance and sun-soaked summer days. Fast forward a few months, and the Leicestershire-based duo of Ollie Drakard and Will Massarella-Tyler has returned with a different kind of emotional weight in "Locked In". While "So Sweet" floated through the joy of young love, "Locked In" delves into the darker, more introspective side of relationships—where heartbreak, longing, and self-reflection take center stage. It’s a fascinating artistic shift, one that shows the duo’s growing range, blending the feel-good energy of their earlier work with a deeper emotional resonance. The Harbours are expanding their narrative, evolving with each release and with "Locked In," they’ve crafted an anthem that feels both timely and timeless—channeling the golden age of indie pop-rock while exploring the complexities of love and loss. As we reconnect with their sound, it’s clear that The Harbours are taking us on a journey, one that invites us to explore both the light and the shadows of the human heart!
Right from the beginning, the track grabs your attention with a driving bassline and a tight, rolling drumbeat. The rhythm kicks in like a breath of fresh air, immediately setting the pace for what’s to come. It’s like that moment when the sun breaks through clouds—bright, urgent, and full of promise. As the guitars join in with crunchy, purposeful riffs, you’re thrust into an energetic groove that’s impossible not to vibe with. The Harbours have clearly honed their sound here, balancing the tightness of their instrumental arrangement with an air of laid-back effortlessness. Then come the lyrics, and suddenly, you’re plunged into the emotional core of the song. With the opening lines, “Locked in thinking, some of the time, I have a feeling it'll be alright...” there’s a palpable sense of ambivalence—a tug-of-war between optimism and doubt. The vocals, delivered by Drakard with a blend of raw honesty and youthful vulnerability, pull you deeper into the story. The protagonist is clearly grappling with personal struggles, seeking temporary relief through escapism: “I go drinking to put on a smile / To forget about you for a while...”
But this isn’t just a song about drinking away your problems. It’s about the cyclical nature of emotional struggle—how, despite your best efforts to move on, those old feelings have a way of resurfacing. Drakard sings, evoking that familiar sensation of being haunted by someone’s memory, even when you’re trying your hardest to let go. And when he declares, “Too late, the bell is rung, it’s run like a freight train, I’m not coming back like I used to...” it’s a powerful moment of self-realization, the acceptance that some things have changed irrevocably. The chorus: “Look in my eyes, tell me I’m dreaming, Time passes by, over and over...” is where the emotional weight of the song truly hits. These lines encapsulate the repetitive nature of heartache, where every day feels like the same, endless loop of unresolved feelings. The phrase “Tell me I’m dreaming” is especially poignant; it speaks to a longing for escape, for the pain to be something temporary or imagined. But as the song progresses, it becomes clear that this isn’t just a dream—the protagonist is well and truly locked in this emotional cycle. As the song progresses, the bridge adds yet another layer of complexity to the narrative: “I know you heard me at the end, now we’re going round again...” The line suggests that even though the protagonist may have voiced their pain or tried to end things, they find themselves circling back to the same place emotionally. It’s a moment of frustration and resignation—the realization that even when you think you’ve made progress, you end up right back where you started, caught in the same cycle of emotional highs and lows.
One of the most striking aspects of the lyrics is how they balance between melancholy and hope. The protagonist is clearly in pain, grappling with unresolved feelings, yet there’s an underlying sense that they’re still searching for a way out, still hoping for something to change. The production of "Locked In" is crisp and layered, with each instrument shining in its own right while contributing to the overall atmosphere. Drakard and Massarella-Tyler, who produced the track themselves, have managed to create a sound that feels expansive yet intimate. You can feel the care and precision that went into every aspect of the song, from the tightness of the drum patterns to the way the vocals seem to drift in and out like a conversation you’re having with yourself. Ed Ripley’s mixing creates a well-balanced soundscape, allowing the vocals to take center stage while the instrumentals provide an atmospheric depth. The guitars, particularly in the choruses, feel expansive and dynamic without overwhelming the vocals, which carry the emotional weight of the song. The drums are sharp and punchy, driving the energy of the track forward while maintaining a tightness that keeps everything locked in place. The bass is steady and provides a solid foundation, helping to anchor the more prominent guitar riffs that dance around the vocals. Rare Tone Mastering adds the final sheen to "Locked In", bringing out the warmth and fullness in the track without losing the rawness of the emotions.
"Locked In" is more than just a song—it’s a shared experience of emotional struggle that we’ve all felt at some point. The Harbours’ ability to turn heartache into a powerful, anthemic sound is what makes this track resonate on such a deep level. Like their previous track, this one will stick with you long after the music fades. So, if you’re ready to dive into a song that captures the rawness of being trapped in your own feelings, be sure to stream it and add to your playlist. Let it become the anthem of your emotional journey—because sometimes, the best way to find a way out is to sing along. Listen below!
#TheHarbours #LockedIn #OllieDrakard #WillMassarellaTyler #Indie #Band #PopRock #UK #Leicestershire #Music
Listen to "Locked In" on #Spotify below -
Dive into the immersive and captivating performance of "Locked In" below on #YouTube -
You can check out The Harbour’s website and follow their musical journey here :
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