With “Coalesce” (produced by Kyle Marchant, who has also produced artists and bands like nothing, nowhere, Bearings, Young Culture, Arm’s Length and Silverstein), Second Harbour deliver an emotionally resonant EP that marks an important step forward in their career. Released under the label “SharpTone Records”, the project presents the band as a refined and confident force within the emo rock and alternative space, balancing intensity with introspection across an impactful track list.
Second Harbour consists of Xavier Morency on vocals and guitar, Vincent Morency on bass and backing vocals, and John Muggianu on drums. Together, the trio demonstrate a strong sense of cohesion, both musically and thematically, which is reflected in the EP’s title. Each member’s contribution feels deliberate, serving the songs rather than overwhelming them.
The band approached “Coalesce” with a clear sense of purpose. “We had a lot to prove with this EP”, says bassist Vincent Morency, pointing to a period of self evaluation that followed the band’s earlier releases. “For a long time, we were conscious of where we fit within the scene.” Being aware of their position meant constantly measuring themselves against peers, trends, and genre boundaries. While that awareness helped them learn and grow, it also created a subtle pressure to conform, to make music that aligned with expectations rather than fully exploring their own ideas. The focus wasn’t just on writing strong songs, but on whether those songs “belonged” in the spaces they were trying to occupy.
The EP’s lead single, “Relative”, serves as a bold and confident introduction to this new chapter in the band’s evolution. From the opening moments, the track makes its intent clear, driven by tight, high energy drumming and sharp guitar work that cuts through with accuracy. These elements combine to create a sense of urgency and momentum, pulling the listener in immediately. At the centre of it all, Xavier Morency’s vocal performance anchors the track, shifting seamlessly between raw urgency and memorable melodic passages. Therefore, “Relative” establishes the band’s ability to write songs that are both aggressive and accessible, making it an effective opening statement for “Coalesce”.
In contrast, “Mourning Dove” leans more heavily into atmosphere and emotional weight. The song showcases a more vulnerable side of the band, with lyrics that explore grief, reflection, and internal struggle. There is also a strong sense of internal conflict, the tension between holding on and letting go, between remembering and moving forward. Instead of offering resolution, the song seems comfortable sitting in emotional uncertainty. This refusal to tidy up grief into a neat conclusion makes the vulnerability feel genuine and human.
Musically, it allows space to breathe, relying on dynamic shifts rather than constant intensity. This restraint highlights the band’s maturity and their growing confidence in letting emotion guide the structure of a song. The structure of the song feels guided more by emotion than convention. Instead of clinging onto verse chorus predictability, the arrangement seems to follow the narrator’s mental state. This creates a sense that the song is unfolding organically, as if the band is discovering the emotion alongside the listener.
This approach demonstrates the band’s growing confidence. By resisting the urge to fill every moment or prove intensity, Second Harbour shows maturity, trusting that vulnerability, when handled carefully, can be just as powerful as aggression.
Taken together, “Coalesce” acts as a combination of the band’s emotional language. It merges the tension and vulnerability of “Relative” with the emotional depth of “Mourning Dove.” The title itself reinforces this idea: different emotional states, sonic textures, and perspectives are brought together rather than kept separate.
As the lead track, “Coalesce” sets the tone for the broader project by demonstrating Second Harbour’s maturity. It shows a band capable of holding conflict, aggression and restraint, chaos and calm, within a single space. Rather than choosing between emotional intensity and vulnerability, “Coalesce” proves that the two can exist together, forming a more complete and confident artistic statement.
What makes “Coalesce” particularly compelling is its sense of purpose. There is no excess or filler; each track feels intentional and thoughtfully arranged. The EP does not attempt to redefine the genre, but instead refines the band’s strengths, presenting a sound that feels authentic and fully realized.
In summary, “Coalesce” is a confident and well executed release that solidifies Second Harbour’s place on SharpTone Records’ roster. Through strong songwriting, emotive performances, and a clear artistic vision, the band deliver an EP that resonates on both a musical and emotional level, suggesting promising momentum for what lies ahead.