Review | Harem Scarem – Chasing Euphoria

Frontiers Music srl

I have always been a big fan of Toronto, Canada based Harem Scarem. Why? Because already in an early stage of their career the main contributors Harry Hess (vocals and keyboards) and guitarist Pete Lesperance (who also took care of the bass duties on this record) managed to give their band its own identity. Especially on their debut album and the second record ‘Mood Swings’ Harem Scarem had developed a signature sound.

It was not only the recognisable vocals of Hess or the spicy guitar parts by Lesperance that were so good. It was also the immaculate song writing, the thick layered big choruses and choirs plus the enormous variety that made the melodic heavy rock of this band stand out. They have been around for years, had a hiatus of a few years, even changed their band name to Rubber for a while, but for one reason or another never reached the big-time status. But they always have been a force to be reckoned with.

STILL GOING STRONG

Throughout the years Hess and Lesperance managed to focus on other careers as well. They both had solo-records while Harry became the main man for the Frontiers project First Signal that at one stage was faster with new records than Harem Scarem was. Both musicians were and are still going strong. It has been some five years since the last Harem Scarem record ‘Change The World’ saw the light of day. So, a new one was slightly overdue in my book. The duo has delivered again together with their drummer Creighton Doane and with their original drummer Darren Smith who always has been around to deliver back ground and (occasional) lead vocals, as is also the case on ‘Chasing Euphoria’. The role of Darren Smith as second voice is surely not to be underestimated.

STAYING TRUE

Also, on ‘Chasing Euphoria’ Harem Scarem is staying true to their self-developed sound. You are getting a crispy mix between up-tempo rockers, a few mid-tempo crackers, and the occasional ballad (,,World On Fire’’). Main ingredients are again the superb vocal arrangements. The songs have uplifting energy, scorching guitar work while it seems that father time has no grip on the voices of Hess and Darren Smith who takes on lead vocals on ,,Gotta Keep Your Head Up’’, a strong mid-tempo rocker. People might find the formula of Haren Scarem perhaps not so interesting anymore, but I beg to differ there. You just cannot fault this band who seems to pop up when you least expect them with quality stuff.

HAREM SCAREM – THE CONCLUSION

With ten strong tracks ‘Chasing Euphoria’ fits in nicely with the rest of their impressive catalogue. I will be the first to admit that maybe their opus ‘Mood Swings’ will forever be their finest moment, but then all their albums have a certain consistency that is typical for this group. There is always a quality around on their releases. In April and May of this year the band will do a short European tour including a visit to the Netherlands on May 2 in the Cacaofabriek in Helmond, my beloved hometown.

As I now live in Australia, I will miss out but if you have the chance, go and see them as Harem Scarem does not tour that often in Europe. On May 4 they play in Musicon – The Hague as well (if my info is still valid).  With ‘Chasing Euphoria’ as their latest and impressive calling card it should be an evening to remember.

Release date: 25 April 2025