Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
There is no middle ground, and we must do all we can to avoid the turgid despondency of the grey and misery heaped upon us by politicians, moguls, and billionaires, and in an age where happiness is a commodity that we slavishly exchange for the chance to draw breath, so the opportunity to pursue a moment of bliss becomes an act of rebellion.
Chasing Euphoria with the blast of ecstatic feeling powered by one of Canada’s most industrious melodic rock bands, Harem Scarem, is one littered with meaning, connection, and significant appreciation for the art of entertainment.
Despite the foursome’s absence from the studio for a few years, the reconnection between Harry Hess, Pete Lesperance, Creighton Doane, and Darren Smith is one to savour as the new album, Chasing Euphoria, unfolds and reveals its muscular prowess before the salivating listener.
It could be easy to suggest that Harem Scarem put the melody back in melodic rock in this release, but it is a fact of life that they have found renewed vigour and desire which comes across in every track laid down for the listener, and the importance of this highlights that underlying point of truth, that euphoria is attained by denying the powers that be the satisfaction of making you obsolete.
Harry Hess’ vocals once more soar with all that rock can muster, the deep sentiments, the growl at the back of the throat which implies to some danger, but which is a natural calling card to the faithful, and to which Messer’s Lesperance, Doane, and Smith cultivate a thrilling sound in which to be immersed as the lyrics don’t just chase euphoria, they nurture it, feed it, and give it a reason to remain feral and unobtainable to others.
Across tracks such as Better The Devil You Know, Gotta Keep Your Head Up, World On Fire, Reliving History, A Falling Knife, and the pumping Wasted Years, Harem Scarem return to the world armed to the teeth with melody and style and all with a sizeable concentration of honest, deep and vibrant rock. Bit by bit we are being denied happiness, deprived of feeling content, it is our right to be found Chasing Euphoria every opportunity we get, less we find ourselves caught in the gloom created by those without art in their souls.
Harem Scarem release Chasing Euphoria on April 25th via Frontiers Music.
Ian D. Hall