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Country HQ premieres “Pure As The Flame”, the new single from Harvey Russell
On March 1st 2024, Harvey Russell will release his second solo album via Heartland Music Australia. Today he releases the slow-burning title track ‘Pure as the Flame’, and Country HQ is proud to be the first to share it.
Harvey Russell rounds out 2023 with the fourth single from his forthcoming new album, due on March 1st. The title track ‘Pure As The Flame’ finds the Sydney alt-country songwriter exploring a more atmospheric, swaying and intimate sound, enhanced by a lilting violin and the evocative strains of Aaron Langman’s pedal steel.
Russell sings, ‘It rises like a wave and breaks with relief / The right to your silence and the thrill of a thief’ as he places himself inside the mind of a kleptomaniac and the feeling of relief and euphoria they feel when they give in to an impulse or addiction.
“I’m often interested in what motivates people to act and how they attempt to find meaning in the world. ‘Pure as the Flame’ depicts the short, fast burn of chasing an illusion that satisfies momentarily and then quickly fades away to devastating effect. It’s a clear tale of how inner conflict can lead to self-deception,” says Russell, reflecting on the song and why it also provided the title for his new album.
“I wanted to elevate this track in particular because I think we’re seeing quite a bit of this quick-hit, quick-fix attitude in the culture today, and I’m not convinced it’s all for the best.”
The new single is another fascinating side of a songwriter constantly seeking out new ways to document and convey the struggle and joy of the human experience.