Stephen
The Toronto-based melodic rock act was formed in 1987 by Pete Lesperance and Harold Hess and not long did I found out that the band name they've been using was derived from the 1939 Bugs Bunny cartoon prototype, Hare-um Scare-um. What makes these guys extremely interesting is that they were out against the world in 1991 when grunge started spreading like a disease by delivering a pompous harmonic rock style which hardly acceptable by mainstream masses back then. Failed to grab attention in the land of America, Harem Scarem was considered successful in their home country and surprisingly gained many cult followers in Japan. This debut raised the flag high and became one of their highly-praised release along with the follow-up, "Mood Swings".
The whole concept of this album is a glorious midtempo rock with an immense harmonic vocals and sentimental guitar touch. "Hard To Love" began the set with a strong uplifting melody and undeniably awesome chorus. "Distant Memory" slows down a bit but the magical tones of the whole song is breathtakingly beautiful. "With A Little Love" and "How Long" shared a same fascinating formula but each song has its own highlight and brilliant moment. "Slowly Slipping Away" scored a major hit in the Canadian chart when it was released, featuring a versatile delivery drown deep inside a superb composition. "Honestly" is an expressive ballad, flowing with a silky voice and untainted emotion-stirring notes. This is simply one of their masterwork that have stood the test of time. "Something To Say" closed the album with an enchanting acoustical passage driven by Hess' griefing vocal, singing a sad serenade "i try to read between the lines, but all I see is the end".
Harem Scarem's self-titled record casted a delightful AOR from start to finish without leaving you with any trace of disappointment at all, and it's even better to get the Japanese version as the three acoustical rendition of their songs are taking the excitement level one step higher. No doubt this album is a sweet sensation with a string of flawless songs, a must-buy!