26 years and 14 albums... and no end in sight for the boys in Harem Scarem. Here they return with a strong offering covering all aspects of what makes this band such a hidden treasure. There's everything you want from Hess & Lesperance et al, along with some inspired curveballs that somehow don't seem to be outside the Harem norm. I've long championed this Canadian band for their refusal to do what is expected, while still staying true to their guitar-driven, massive vocal MO. And they certainly don't disappoint on "United".
Speaking of "United", the album moniker kicks off this slice of AOR in prime fashion. Following a heavy opening riff, Lesperance dives into a wonderfully jaunty diad leading into the main riff. The verses play over some sparse open chords, creating space to breathe before the classic HS chorus. A solid opening.
"Here Today, Gone Tomorrow"... this would have fit perfectly on the "Higher" disc. I hear songs like this and wonder how this band has been ignored for so long. A perfect representation of what melodic AOR should be. On a personal note, it features background vox from another of my favorite artists, Jeff Scott Soto. Song two and we're already being deluged with some of the best melodies in the genre.
With "Gravity" we get our first taste of the eccentricities that make HS so versatile. There's a good bit of Queen influence in the background vocals here. After the straight-forward melodies of the first two tracks, Gravity is a welcome departure, slightly challenging the listener to come along for the ride.
"Sinking Ship". Wow. Just wow. This song personifies just how GOOD Harem Scarem can be at any given moment. I really enjoyed the nuances in Lesperance's guitar lines, especially the slight string bend before the second verse. Great lyrics: "I'm gonna stand my ground on a sinking ship". It's amazing that the chorus vocals are done by two people: Harry Hess and Darren Smith. Notice the Nuno Bettencourt/Brian May influence in the guitar solo. Even after all these years, Pete Lesperance still pays tribute to his heroes.
We've reached the power ballad portion of the program and what a portion it is. In "One Of Life's Mysteries", Hess works a beautiful melody over a simple piano progression before the song takes off into an unmatched melodic masterpiece. I am convinced, much like 13's "All I Need", that if this song was done by a current pop/rock artist, it would be huge. This is instantly up there with some of the best ballads HS has penned.
"No Regrets" really feels like a song that Def Leppard hasn't written yet. Very uptempo, with a rollicking verse section, this song again features the BIG background vocals we've come to expect from HS over the years. A perfect transition from a ballad to introduce the second half of the disc.
"Bite The Bullet" starts out with a silky guitar line that plays great into the melodic verses. The chorus carries that feel throughout, creating a catchy sing-along melody. If there's one over-arching theme here, it's the ability of Harem Scarem to consistently deliver memorable choruses. Jeff Scott Soto is featured more prominently on this track, especially at the end, creating a nice counter-point to the Hess/Smith vocals.
Straight out of Overload, "Things I Know" is a modern mid-tempo rocker that takes no prisoners. Trust me, this chorus is a Monster. Harry Hess is so severely underrated as a singer, songwriter, and musician. The dynamics of this song are document #1 on how to create tension and release within a composition.
Another song that would've been perfect for Hope or Overload, "The Sky Is Falling" is solid modern rocker. This one, I think, would take a little longer to digest for the uninitiated, but once the chorus kicks in, the melody is there. The Harem Scarem boys do nothing if not challenge the listener. Again, there is quite a bit of Queen influence here, especially during the solo.
The penultimate track, "Heaven And Earth", may well be the biggest track on the album. The main guitar riff is so catchy, it's hard not to rewind just to hear it again. If you can't sing along to this chorus, you may want to check your pulse. This thing is so beyond badass it'd drop Apollo Creed with just a look. If you listen to the chords played underneath the solo, you can just hear majestic perfection.
Closing out this delicious slice of AOR brilliance, "Indestructible" begins as almost a melancholy country song. 1:45 in, it suddenly changes to a chugging riff before veering off into a massive chorus that Harry nails at the top of his register. I can't overstate just how moving the vocals are on this song. You can just hear the emotion pouring out with every word.
People, this is THE BEST BAND no one has heard of. I can't implore you to search out their catalogue enough. Harem Scarem has just added yet another master class of AOR to their history. World class vocals and songwriting, along with virtuoso guitar riffs, make this a must own for anyone that calls themselves a fan of rock music. After disbanding in '08 & reconvening in '13, Harem Scarem have proven that absence cannot only make the heart grow fonder, it can grow into a bigger and better version of what it was.
4.5 of 5 stars. Easily.
