Harem Scarem are back and after the mixed 'Overload' album they have gone back to their classic style of big melodic choruses coupled with driving guitar riffs. In fact this is probably the band's best album since 2002's 'Weight of the World'. The title track gets things off in a fine style - very catchy chorus and guitar riffs bigger than mountains!

'Next Time Around' gels on the first listen whilst 'Hangin On' shows what a fine vocalist Harry Hess is. 'Don't Throw It Away' sees the pomp quota increased before we get the very Queen like 'Give Love/Get Love' - just check out the Queen multi-layered vocals on the choruses, simply wonderful.

Quick mention to Pete Lesperance's guitar work, where he keeps solos to a minimum without taking over a tune and really is a riffmaster of the melodic kind. Harem Scarem can also appeal to fans of newer bands like Good Charlotte especially if they hear '21'.

What a cracking start to 2007 and Harem Sacrem have set a very high standard which many bands will be very hard pushed to even match, let alone exceed. Fans of the bands classic sound and the 'Mood Swings' album will love this album and if you've never sampled this band this is a good place to start.

****½

Review by Jason Ritchie

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