Harry Styles fans are screaming, crying, and throwing up as he invites us all to his funk-rock party at Harry’s House. If you told me that this ex-boy band member would end up becoming one of my go-to’s on my psych-rock and funkadelia playlists, I definitely would not have believed you. If you had told a Directioner, well, I’m sure they would have eaten it up because nothing was going to get between them and Harry Styles. The new album seemingly indulges in the Spring showers, navigating romance and regret, while celebrating the coming of Summer with funky charismatic pop sounds, making for kismet timing. His third melodious album is abundant in groove and style, and lyrically strikes a balance between detached and devout.

Flashing forward past the 70s-inspired Fine Line, to the 80’s-tinged Harry’s House, the album is reminiscent of sounds by musical acts like Prince, Simon & Garfunkel and nods to Japanese pop artist Haruomi Hosono. And while critics like to fall on other artists to dissect Harry’s inspiration and style, I think we should indulge in the genre-bending sounds—still unique to him—and all have some fun in Harry’s House. The early album track “Late Night Talking” sonically champions pop anthems and lyrically captures a lovestruck Styles. While later in the album, “Keep Driving” and “Satellite” gives us a glimpse into his L.A lifestyle. Like a candy, Harry’s House has a hard pop-funk coating that breaks when you bite into it and oozes vulnerability at the center.

Harry’s House Pop-Up in Toronto

If you’re lucky enough to be in L.A, NYC, Chicago, Dallas, or Toronto, an exclusive Harry Styles pop-up will be open for the weekend. The pop-up opened on Friday, May 20, aligned with the album release, and is open until Sunday, May 22. I had the absolute pleasure and privilege to attend Harry’s House—pop up, not to be confused for the album—and without surprise, it was an aesthetic dream. The pop-up, in addition to being home to Harry, is also home to exclusive merchandise like hoodies, hats and totes, specialty box sets, limited-edition vinyls, and the Harry’s House zine. If you’re a Harry Styles stan, my advice is to cancel your plans this weekend and make arrangements to attend. After all, how can you flex at the Harry Styles tour without arriving in head-to-toe merch?

Harry’s House Pop-Up in Toronto