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HAREM SCAREM
Mood Swings II

Frontiers (2013)
Rating: 7.5/10

Canadian hard rockers Harem Scarem have been responsible for some of rock’s most underrated albums over the years. However, the main problem is that despite their beautiful melodies in tracks such as ‘No Justice’, the scene has passed them by, with the combo remaining popular in Japan and parts of Europe, but never quite fitting into any chosen genre.

In the late 80s and early 90s other extremely talented bands such as Saigon Kick suffered the same fate, but Harem Scarem have marched on over the years, producing 12 superb albums – the first being the self-titled 1991 opus, and what seemed to be the last in 2008 with Hope.

Harem Scarem has always been fuelled by the passion and flair of lead vocalist Harry Hess and guitarist Pete Lesperance but, like a number of classic rock bands, they’ve decided to re-work their history with Mood Swings II, a celebration of the reunion of this highly talented act.

The original 1993 opus, Mood Swings, was a career-defining extravaganza that boasted 11 innovative tracks and featured Mike Gionet on bass and Darren Smith on drums. Now, more than 20 years after that platter, Harem Scarem have come full circle and re-worked those 11 tracks which are accompanied by three extra tracks in the form of ‘World Gone To Pieces’, ‘Anarchy’ and ‘Brighter Day’.

I have to admit that I never kept up with all of Harem Scarem’s releases, but adored their 1995 effort Voice Of Reason. I was rather surprised by their decision to re-record Mood Swings, but this seems to be a current trend, what with all manner of bands ranging from Stryper (2011’sThe Second Coming) to thrashers Annihilator (2013’s Re-Kill) opting for such work. This time round the drums are taken by Creighton Doane and Lesperance plays guitar and bass on the album.

Thankfully, the material on Mood Swings II is not drastically different from the original although it could be argued that the newer workings have a fresher, more soulful feel, and it’s only natural that Hess’ vocals boast more strain as they’ve aged over the years.

But, the likes of ‘Saviors Never Cry’, the stomping ‘No Justice’ and the delightful ‘Sentimental Blvd’ – featuring Darren Smith on vocals – still harbour that pomp and pout. Harem Scarem have always had a lush, often polished edge to their melodic rockers, so it’s no surprise that this is still evident here, albeit in slightly different shades. For instance, the likes of ‘Jealousy’ just seem a tad more funky this time round, and ‘Mandy’ seems to ache in far greater waves with those soaring solos and effortless tinkles.

C’mon, Harem Scarem were never going to ruin their 1993 composition. Instead, there’s a modern hunger to tracks such as ‘Empty Promises’ and the gentle sways of ‘If There Was A Time’.

Hess’ vocals may sound a touch more gravelled, but with that band behind him they merely add a soulful dimension. And what of the new tracks? Well, they’re typically Harem Scarem – robust yet rounded, sweet and moody. ‘World Gone To Pieces’ has a darker edge, particularly in that vocal, although it’s more Def Leppard in its approach, while ‘Anarchy’ is a full on rocker with some real hair metal tinges. The album eventually comes to a halt with the lazy ‘Brighter Day’, a swooning, reflective semi-ballad of syrupy harmonies and summery lyrics.

Die-hard fans of Harem Scarem will no doubt lap up Mood Swings II, if only for the extra tracks and as part of a curiosity to hear old songs turned new. Despite this being a pleasant experience though, I’d rather recommend you check out the band’s back catalogue.

Neil Arnold

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