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Harem Scarem: United
Harem Scarem United CD Album Review

Harem Scarem: United

Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
5.0/5.0

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Frontiers Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 03.05.2017

Riding a wave of rejuvenated musical enthusiasm since reuniting in 2013, Canada's Harem Scarem returns with their fourteenth album, United. With original members Harry Hess (lead vocals, keyboards) and Pete Lesperance (guitars, bass, keyboards) leading the way, the album is simply signature Harem Scarem.

Harem Scarem Band Photo

Harem Scarem

To elaborate then, and perhaps for those who have never experienced the band, Harem Scarem plays melodic hard rock neatly dressed in an AOR wrapper. It's really hard to say what single element defines the depth and power of Harem Scarem's musical presentation. It's the sum of the parts, as it were, that make the whole. Every song blends together sweet melody and harmony, from the guitar lines to the vocal arrangements. Harry Hess is in supreme form, singing bright and melodic, with background vocals adding even more harmonious depth. The sturdy and taut rhythm section lays down the rock groove that finds your toe tapping and your head bobbing in sync. Then there's all those killer hooks in the arrangements, whether in the crafty riffs or the catchy refrains which make you want to sing along.

Much like the previous album, Thirteen, the songs within this album amp up the hard rock part of the equation, while still tempered with AOR sweetness. Some of the heavy hitters include Heaven And Earth, Gravity, and No Regrets. Alternatively, you feel and hear the AOR groove rise more within United, Things I Know, and Here Today Gone Tomorrow, a personal favorite. If there's something more mild it comes with One Of Life's Mysteries, definitely an AOR ballad twisted with an arena anthem.

For real, with United, Harem Scarem not only knocked it out of the park, but hit a grand slam home run. Every song here is exceptional and entertaining. As we sometimes say in the biz, "It's all killer and no filler." Quite recommended.




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The Bottom Line

For real, with United, Harem Scarem not only knocked it out of the park, but hit a grand slam home run. Every song here is exceptional and entertaining. As we sometimes say in the biz, "It's all killer and no filler." Quite recommended.

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