Description
2013 re-issue with 4 bonus tracks
Todd Michael Hall (Riot and Jack Starrs Burning Starrs) first stint as a lead singer was with the cover tune band Wrought Iron back in 1984 when he was 15 years old. After playing numerous shows in the mid-Michigan area, Todd left Wrought Iron and took a year off from performing. Wrought Iron eventually changed its name to Harlet, but continued to perform as a cover tune band. After numerous line-up changes, Harlet began writing original music in 1986 when original Harlet members Jon David (bass) and Steve Axestorm (drums) recruited Todd back into the band on vocals along with Glenn Kirkland (guitar). This line-up recorded a five song EP cassette tape entitled Virgin Wings, which was independently released in early 1987. Continuing the focus on original material, the band entered the studio to record a full length album in the fall of 1987 with new guitar player, Tommy Botsford. The nine song album, 25 Gets a Ride, was released in early 1988. Harlet sounds like a cross between early Fates Warning, Queensryche, and Lizzy Borden. It doesn’t rise to the level of those US power 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. The sound is immediately recognizable as US power; you’ve get your typically polished production, simple but effective riffing, and last but certainly not least, ridiculously high register vocals. This is the component that was most enjoyable for me personally, but it might be quite a detractor for some. All I can say is, if you like Geoff Tate or Lizzy Borden, you surely won’t be disappointed. The production is stunningly clear 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.
Track listing:
1. Raging Eyes
2. Dont Stop Now
3. With A Stranger
4. Cold Of The Night
5. Take Your Chances
6. Father
7. Lit And Burning
8. Faintly Living
9. Bought-N-Paid For
10. Lazy Sunday
11. In The Puss
12. Alive Loose And Dangerous
13. Individual We Stand