Frontiers [Release date 12.05.17]
This is Harem Scarem’s second album since reuniting back in 2013 – three if you count their re-recording of their classic ‘Mood Swings’ album they did to get back their ownership of the songs.
Original members Harry Hess (vocals) and Pete Lesperance (guitars) are still present and correct, along with long-time drummer Creighton Doane, and Stan Miczek (bass). Original drummer Darren Smith adds backing vocals and he is joined by Jeff Scott Soto, Jeff Dalziel, Pete Newdeck and Alessandro Del Vecchio in helping creating those trademark layered harmonies Harem Scarem do so well and are an integral part of their sound.
The opening trio of the title track, ‘Here Today, Gone Tomorrow’ and ‘Gravity’ are amongst the best songs the band have recorded. Each one has a chorus with a bigger hook than a whaling vessel and blissful harmonies.
Songs made for playing loud and enjoying. Harry Hess is still on fine vocal form and the backing vocals choirs work well, such as on ‘Sinking Ship’ which sounds like Def Leppard at times.
Speaking of Def Leppard, they’d be happy to have written the ballad ‘One Of Life’s Mysteries’. It has highs and lows in the tempo and again allows Harry Hess to show off his impressive singing skills.
It is not all killer no filler as ‘No Regrets’ does sound a bit samey, although Pete Lesperance has some great guitar parts on this one.
Harem Scarem have really found their groove on this album, perfect for a summer’s day or any day you need great melodic rock music. ****
Review by Jason Ritchie
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
Next session: Sunday 19 January
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 1 December 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 3 December 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024
In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections
Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)