Search - Harem Scarem :: Early Years

Nice collection, but not for the average fan

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 08/18/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting from Harem Scarem: The Early Years. I kind of figured it would showcase the band playing radio friendly pop metal in a Von Groove/Firehouse vein. Given the outfits and hairstyles on the cover, can you really blame me? The Early Years wasn't at all what I was expecting, and at times I wasn't even sure this was Harem Scarem at all.



The demos and other early recordings collected here bear little resemblance to the modern AOR Harem Scarem we all know and love. Pete Lesperance's guitar work is pretty solid, but Harry Hess apparently had not yet found his true voice, so to speak. The band's considerable songwriting skills were not yet evident on most of these recordings. The songs are decent enough, but pale in comparison to what you hear on the band's debut album.



Ultimately, the Early Years is for die-hard Harem Scarem fans only. It's an interesting look at the band's formative years, but not something you'll find yourself reaching for very often. If you're not yet familiar with the band, you're much better off with one of their studio albums. Just pick one; they're all fantastic.

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