Harem Scarem - Pilgrim's Progress

Harem Scarem emerged from Melbourne's mid-80's indie scene, but, it could be argued, were closer in sound to classic Australian blues rock from a decade before (dingoes, coloured balls, chain, rose tattoo etc.). Their sound was infused with a heady mix of punk spirit and stax soul that also made them contemporaries of the likes of the gun club and the beasts of bourbon. Harem Scarem first appeared on the Melbourne psychobilly compilation "asleep at the wheel". They soon developed (via the "dogman" ep and some key line-up changes) into a powerhouse live act, where christopher marshall's extraordinary, passionate vocals combined with charlie marshall's stonesy guitar. With the classic line-up of the marshall brothers, barry palmer (guitar), glen sheldon (bass), peter jones (drums) and chris wilson (harmonica & sax), the band went into the studio with john archer (hunters & collectors) and emerged with this, their masterful 1986 album, 'pilgrim's progress'. a shock decision to disband on the verge of a national breakthrough robbed Australia of a fine band - and one that is ripe for reappraisal. Aztec music's deluxe reissue of 'pilgrim's progress' has been remixed and digitally remastered. There are 6 bonus tracks (2 previously unreleased) and many rare photos.