Harsh – 'Out of Control'

A cursory glance at the image and online blurb will lead you to believe that this is just another 80’s glam influenced band and frankly I’ve had my fill of those over the years. Thankfully though this is more than just leopard print leggings, Aqua Net and a host of other things that are best left to old vhs tapes. There is a depth of sound here that belies the youthful faces on show, sure there’s some 80’s clichés in there but it’s not on every verse and chorus so it comes across as a nod to their heroes whilst finding their own sound. That sound will mature as they grow but there’s more than enough in there already to suggest these boys are going places. It’s not all gang vocals and over the top solos, these are eight very cleverly crafted songs where they stretch the sound beyond music by numbers rock and glam, there’s influences of blues and jazz in there for sure and it sounds wonderful.

Opener ‘Good Loving’ is just a right good rock song that I’m sure will go over well live, hints of glam for sure but it’s got a hint of early ‘Treatment’ about it too.

Next up is ‘The Sound She Does’ which starts with a glorious smooth jazz sound before the guitar kicks in with a killer groove that carries the song throughout.

‘Never Let Go’ is track three and again it’s a different kind of opening as we get a heavy stuttering riff with accompanying tribal drum sound that sets the tone for a slightly darker sound. Belter of a tune!

Track four and it’s ballad time as out come the lighters for ‘Believe Me I’m Alive’. Glorious acoustic opening before following that tried and tested transition and build to electric and drums. Cheesy? A wee bit but it’s French cheese so it’s tasty stuff!

Back to the hard rock sound for ‘Hold You Tonight’, if you like the sound of early Santa Cruz or Dirty Penny then this one is for you. Song of the album for me.

‘Fire at Will’ is track six and it’s another chugging riff driven number, complete with Who-esque breakdown. Another one to play loud!

Penultimate track and we’re back to ballad land with ‘A Better Tomorrow’. From a song writing story telling perspective this is by far and away the best on the album. The chorus whilst simple is clearly designed for live audience participation, something I very much look forward to being part of.

Final track and we’re back to that glam rock sound to finish. Some real quality group harmonies on this one is the final string on the Harsh bow and as the final few seconds of ‘Make the Law’ play out I’m left with the over riding impression that these French boys are the real deal and I’ll gladly fly that Auld Alliance flag for them.

Harsh – Out of Control, go give it a listen and if you fancy seeing them in the flesh they’ve got two UK shows on the books next month.

07th Oct – DreadnoughtRock – Bathgate

09th Oct – Trillions – Newcastle

Mac