HAREM SCAREM - OVERLOAD
review by Arin Vahanian
In today’s information age, we are constantly bombarded with news and advertisements telling us what is hip and trendy in the music world, and what we should be listening to. This is also the case when it comes to rock music. The problem, however, lies in the fact that most rock bands either try to sound modern for the sake of being hip, or try to relive the glory days of a bygone era.
But a great rock group is one that can successfully combine influences from its previous works, along with its modern inspirations, to create a deep and profound musical experience that sounds fresh and modern, yet does not ignore the band’s musical roots. And that is surely the case with “Overload,” the latest studio album from Canadian rockers Harem Scarem.
Already having released a tremendous back catalog of remarkable rock albums, Harem Scarem is no newcomer to the scene. However, “Overload” is one of the freshest rock records I’ve heard in a while, as it combines the melody of late 80s rock with the melancholy of mid 90s rock, along with the angst and bombastic production we hear in today’s rock music. In fact, “Overload” is a fusion of several eras of rock music, but it flows seamlessly from one song to another, carrying the listener on an emotional roller coaster.
The album starts with the appropriately-titled “Dagger,” which assaults your senses with a barrage of power and melody that displays Harem Scarem’s mastery of the modern rock sound. While the band’s previous album, “Higher,” was a showcase of melodic rock, “Overload” is more melancholic and darker. Nowhere is this more evident than in “Dagger,” which takes you on an emotional ride, from the aggressive opening sequence, to the moody verse, to the angst-filled chorus.
And just as you think that Harem Scarem has forgotten about its roots, along comes “Afterglow,” one of the most melodic songs on the CD. The build-up to the chorus is superb, as we are greeted by a smooth verse, to a livelier bridge, and finally to the huge multi-layered chorus, which is instantly memorable.
The melodic assault continues with “Don’t Come Easy,” which starts out deceptively, as the first 30 seconds are quite soft. However, Harem Scarem has a knack for surprising the listener, and as the driving rhythm of the verse begins it is apparent that we have a classic song on our hands. The chorus is one of the most memorable I have ever heard from the band, and this song is an absolute melodic monster.
However, the album is not all about rockers; there are also a few ballads, which change the mood a bit and introduce another side to the CD. “Can’t Live With You,” with Harry Hess’ angst-filled vocals and melancholic sound, reminds me a bit of the band’s mid 90s works. And “All You’re Getting,” with its huge chorus, showcases just what a modern ballad should sound like.
After a few ballads, the band comes back with a few heavy hitters, “Leading Me On” and “Same Mistakes,” both featuring the talents of guitarist Pete Lesperance. And both tracks are full of attitude, riffs that cut to the bone, and guitar solos. These tracks take a bit from each era of the band, but still sound fresh and modern, thanks to the production.
A particularly noteworthy track is “Understand You,” which many will classify as a ballad, but I think it’s much more than that. At first listen, it sounds rather simplistic, but the beauty of this song is that each subsequent listen reveals more melodies and emotions than you could ever imagine. The harmony vocals in the chorus are nothing short of heavenly, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more meaningful power ballad in today’s rock music. In fact, I think “Understand You” could be a huge hit if given the proper radio play, and after countless listens, I’m still in love with this song.
“Wishing” is the perfect ending to this album, as it is a moody ballad that sees Hess draining every last bit of emotion he has and pouring it onto the listener. It’s been years since I’ve heard such a heart-wrenching ballad, and even now I sit amazed, wondering how any band could write such a deep and powerful song, with lyrics that tug on the heart strings.
However, as good as “Overload” is, it’s not perfect. “Rise & Fall” and “Forgive & Forget” see Harem Scarem trying too hard to create an aggressive modern rock sound, and they end up sounding forced. They don’t have the hooks the band is famous for, and as such, seem out of place.
The songs on this album take a few listens to really appreciate, and because of this, many fans might consider the band’s earlier albums to be catchier and more accessible.
While “Overload” isn’t among the band’s best work, it is a solid album in its own right and will stand the test of time as a melodic rock record that successfully combined previous eras and melded them with the current rock sound. But, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, as Harem Scarem has been releasing quality albums for more than a decade now. It’s only a matter of time before the rest of the rock community wakes up and realizes just how good “Overload” is.