SECOND HARBOUR: Coalesce
Canadian post-hardcore trio SECOND HARBOUR, featuring brothers Xavier and Vincent Morency with drummer John Muggianu, is gearing up for the release of their new EP, ‘Coalesce’, arriving December 12. With ‘Coalesce’, the trio delivers a major step forward in both sound and confidence. Now signed to SharpTone Records, the band sounds more focused and expressive than ever. This EP feels like the moment they fully embraced their identity and stopped worrying about fitting into a specific scene.
The opener ‘Relative’ sets the tone immediately. It’s fast, sharp and driven by a strong sense of urgency. Muggianu called it “vicious” and “unrelenting”, and that description fits. The drumming stands out, the guitars cut through cleanly and Xavier’s vocals carry both force and emotion. Even with its aggressive energy, the song remains melodic, which gives it impressive replay value.
Throughout the EP, SECOND HARBOUR shows a powerful mix of emotional depth and bold songwriting. They’ve always blended post-hardcore intensity with alt-rock hooks, but ‘Coalesce’ feels more daring. In an interview, Vincent Morency mentioned that they wanted to step away from past expectations and stop worrying about where they fit within the scene. That shift gives the EP a grounded, self-assured feel. Each track is built around clear ideas and delivered with confidence, letting the band’s strengths shine through. Instead of chasing dramatic reinvention, SECOND HARBOUR refines the sound they’ve been shaping for years, and the result is a collection of songs that feels cohesive and heartfelt.
The third track, ‘I Am Half-Sick of Shadows’, blends what the band describes as their “happiest and heaviest” moments, highlighting the breadth of their emotional range. Meanwhile, the title track serves as the EP’s emotional centerpiece. At four and a half minutes, it allows the band to explore shifting moods and dynamics, rising and falling in a way that feels both natural and deeply resonant.
But SECOND HARBOUR’s artistic vision doesn’t stop at the music. Their videos are also remarkably strong, and the band continues to embrace a proud DIY spirit. Much of this comes from Vincent Morency, who has become a genuine visionary when it comes to visual media. He has created their single artwork for some time, and taken over their video production as well. The results are polished and full of character. Fans have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm, proving that the visual side of SECOND HARBOUR is becoming just as important as the music itself.
Overall, ‘Coalesce’ is heartfelt and confidently executed. The EP leans into pop-punk energy while embracing emo-tinged elements, giving it emotional weight and relatability. While the songs stay within familiar territory, they are crafted with care and delivered with conviction. Vocalist Xavier Morency shines throughout, showcasing an impressive range and a voice full of expression that brings each track to life. The band plays to their strengths — tight instrumentation, catchy hooks and earnest lyrics — making each song compelling. With ‘Coalesce’, SECOND HARBOUR isn’t just refining their sound; they’re embracing it fully, delivering an EP that feels cohesive and polished.