King CURTIS

Three steps to the throne of neo-soul, shadowed by David Fricke.

SOUL POWER

HHH

(Burger, 2014)

As advertised in the title, Harding’s debut is emotionally focused R&B classicism, too bound to the fundamentals at times but seductive in its stark, taut arrangements. And Harding lets that falsetto fly over the Northern soul kicks in Keep On Shining.

FACE YOUR FEAR

HHHH (Anti-, 2017)

In its crawl and shadows, Wednesday Morning Atonement bears the mark of co-producer Danger Mouse. After that, it’s Harding’s soul show as he fires up the P-funk voodoo in Go As You Are and tears through Need Your Love like a garage rock Otis Redding.

IF WORDS WERE FLOWERS

HHHH (Anti-, 2021)

The title invocation’s sumptuous turmoil and the hard-fought radiance in Hopeful announce Harding’s transformation from disciple to innovator. Everything that follows affirms his flair for the eccentric and knack for hooks, sealed with vocal assurance.