Kleveland - Harder

'Harder' is the third release from female-fronted rock-band Kleveland. While they have been compared with the Pretenders or Blondie, this reviewer felt Stephanie Smith’s raw vocals are more akin to that of Joan Jett, with also an element of Alanis Morissette. The opening track, 'Do It Big', is simply faultless. I almost, however, dismissed them as another generic rock band, until they did something quite unexpected. They changed. One minute I was bouncing to a rousing heavy rock number, and the next I found myself listening to a bitter-sweet angry-love-song. The closing track of 'It’s Over' meanwhile faultlessly demonstrates their more chilled side. Suffice to say, few albums display the broad scope a band can offer as well as Kleveland with 'Harder'. Stephanie Smith deserves special mention, not only for being a talented vocalist with an impressive depth and range to her voice, but also because she is an accomplished guitarist as well. Her skills would, however, stand for naught if she were not supported by equally skilled band members. Their bassist, Allen Hunter, deserves extra credit for acting as the foundation upon which all their music is built. As well as 'Do It Big with its raw punk energy, other highlights include the bleakly honest 'You’re Not Sorry' and 'Sloppy Seconds' which is country-tinged and displays an impressive emotional complexity in its lyrics. Overall, this is a great CD, not only for its individual tracks, but the broad scope of music found within this album. Seriously recommended.