Haram: Drescher

Now a quintet with four vocalists, three of whom are also guitarists, Haram explores the noisier, artier implications of post-hardcore on Drescher, their second release from northern Virginia’s Lovitt Records.

Composed of former members of Pg. 99, City of Caterpillar, and Majority Rule, the band has forgone its screamo roots in favor of a sound reminiscent of D.C. in the early to mid-’90s.

Drescher opens with an ambitious title track, setting a momentum that digresses into a visceral plateau of alternating chords from each guitarist. Unfortunately, the build-up falters by the next song, “Mannequin,” which is musically mediocre and formulaic with less interesting lyrics and delivery.

For the remaining six selections, Haram plays a “name that band” game with their listeners. Their lineup enables them to stretch outside the post-hardcore genre, but too many songs on the album are derivative. “Centrum” features raw vocals virtually identical to Fugazi’s Ian Mackaye, and elements from acts fronted by singer/guitarist John Reis (Rocket from the Crypt, Drive Like Jehu) are present in “St. Feliu,” “M Greene,” and “Marbo Court.”

The band makes a handful of enjoyable, discursive songs on the album, especially “Death Blues” and “Fever Sleep,” two lengthy tracks with unrefined elegance. These songs, along with the title track, promise progression and attest that Haram have their foot in the door of something interesting and worthwhile.

– Kristena Adamo

Haram: www.harammusic.com
Lovitt Records: www.lovitt.com