HARLET – 25 Gets A Ride (1988) [Remastered + 4] *HQ*

320_1 /// 320_2 /// HQ 1 /// HQ 2

As requested, here’s the remastered reissue of obscure U.S. Metal act HARLET debut album, 1988’s “25 Gets A Ride“, including bonus tracks. HARLET was the very first recording of vocalist Todd Michael Hall (Riot / Reverence / Burning Starr).
With a cover like that, with a band name like HARLET, and an album title like ’25 Gets A Ride’, one might expect a product that sounds like the work of a Sunset Strip sleazy glam metal reject that came too late in the game; however, that’s not really what we get here.
Sure, there’s some ’80s glammy hard rock leaning lyrics and a mild commercial touch, but HARLET sounds more like a cross between 1983 Queensryche, Lizzy Borden, and early Fates Warning. It doesn’t rise to the level of those U.S. metal giants, of course, but ”25 Gets a Ride” does provide a solid entry of quality melodic metal in the one of the best years there ever was for it.
Additionally, as bonus tracks we find the EP the band released in 1990, with better production and a more Dokken-esque style. This is the real remastered CD, be aware of poor versions floating the net.

The sound is immediately recognizable as U.S. Metal; you’ve get your typically polished production, simple but effective riffing, and last but certainly not least, ridiculously but fun high register vocals. All I can say is, if you like Geoff Tate or Lizzy Borden, you surely won’t be disappointed. Todd Michael Hall still was very young and might’ve restrained himself a bit more in some areas, but overall, I just can’t say no to those piercing high notes.
The other members do a decent, fine job. The songwriting is also mostly good; occasionally, there will be a song or chorus that just isn’t catchy enough, but for the most part, they do the trick. The most well-rounded track here is undoubtedly “Lit and Burning” with its awesome lead riff and truly memorable chorus. Other highlights include “Bought ‘n’ Paid For” and “Take Your Chances” for their slightly progressive leanings.

Hailing from Michigan, Harlet came and went with very little (I’d dare say none at all) notice in the 80s and quickly faded into underground legend, which is kind of a shame considering the promise shown by this capable sole release.
They pretty much had all the necessary factors to compete with the more popular giants of the genre, and I sure would have liked to see what might have come next. The production is stunningly clear (perhaps a bit thin, but the remaster works very well) for such an underground release, and this is insanely underground. I’d say that even most of the craziest powerheads haven’t even heard of it.
”25 Gets a Ride” may not touch the many masterful releases of 1988 (Operation: Mindcrime, Transcendence), but any fans of said albums could do much worse than to acquire it.
Highly Recommended

01 – Raging Eyes
02 – Don’t Stop Now
03 – With a Stranger
04 – Cold of the Night
05 – Take Your Chances
06 – Father
07 – Lit and Burning
08 – Faintly Living
09 – Bought-n-Paid For
10 – Lazy Sunday (Bonus Track)
11 – In the Puss (Bonus Track)
12 – Alive, Loose & Dangerous (Bonus Track)
13 – Individual We Stand (Bonus Track)

Vocals – Todd Michael Hall
Guitar – Tommy Botsford
Keyboards – Don Pushies, Steve Axestorm
Bass, Backing Vocals – Jon David
Drums – Steve Axestorm

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