Album Review: Harem Scarem - Chasing Euphoria

As we get older, time begins to move faster, and the slots in our mental jukebox fill up with memories we find difficult to shake. That means while there is plenty of good music still being made, having that music leave the kind of lasting impact that keeps us coming back becomes more difficult with each passing year. I had this reality thrown in my face recently when I was building an updated list of my favorite albums, where the last decade contributed far less than I would have assumed, given how favorably I have written about some records during our time here.

The point is to say that when a new record remains in regular rotation for years, it means something more special than nodding your head along in mild agreement. The new albums that leave an impression are deserving of more praise than we might give them credit for, because they have overcome the odds of lived gravity and spiritual inertia. Harem Scarem did this, making a great first impression (to me - I know they had been around for a long time) with "United", and then making perhaps the best melodic rock album of the last decade with "Change The World". High praise indeed.

So how do they follow up that achievement? Let's discuss.

"Chasing Euphoria" builds from the same foundation. These are propulsive melodic rock songs that are built for sunny days and big smiles. Even the cynic in me can't help but tap my toe and nod my head as Harry Hess belts out a gritty hook over some lovely chords and riffs. The record takes everything that was great about "Change The World", and tightens it up into a coiled series of songs waiting to leap from the speakers.

"Slow Burn" is the first sign of trouble, sounding a bit generic compared to the band's sharper material. That would be ok, but it's followed up by a song Harry Hess doesn't sing lead vocals on. I... I don't get it. When you have a great singer, and your band is not known for trading vocals, why would you put an unfamiliar voice front-and-center? The vocal is fine, but it doesn't quite sound like Harem Scarem with Harry's voice only in the background, and it immediately killed my mood. I was excited a new album was coming, and then they make a questionable decision like that on a record that doesn't even approach forty minutes long. It... feels a bit cheap.

The rest of the album is all top-quality, although it comes across a bit too relaxed. Their doesn't sound like the same passion in the performances, so some of the energy that elevated "Change The World" is missing. Rather than towering hooks, these are just strong. Rather than fiery guitar playing, the riffs are just good.

This is a case of managing expectations. Taken on its own, "Chasing Euphoria" is a highly enjoyable melodic rock album. There are plenty of really good songs, and it mostly puts a smile on my face while I'm listening to it. However, I can't say this record is as good as "Change The World", or even "United". Those records had more unforgettable highlights, more songs that stuck with me from the very first time I listened to them. This album, by contrast, sounds more like one of the albums from Harry's side-project First Signal. Those are fine too, but they're missing the spark I was hoping for.

Once again, it seems I hoped for too much. Anticipation is a dangerous thing, eh?