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Lauren Harris: Calm Before The Storm
Melodic Rock
Rating: 4.0/5.0

DR2 Records
www.myspace.com/laurenharrisuk

Yes, Lauren Harris is the daughter of Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris. Ms. Harris has opened for Alice Cooper and supported Within Temptation, Korn, and Stone Sour. And yes, she opened for Iron Maiden around the world over the last several years. It's good to be daddy's little girl. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Okay, enough with the cliches. If you're expecting Maiden music from Ms. Harris you are far off base. Lauren Harris' music is more melodic rock with adventures into hard rock, power pop, and a delectable dose of punk rebellion. She's a great vocalist: blessed with talent, enthusiasm, and monster lungs. 'Calm Before The Storm' is Lauren's long awaited debut album.

Lauren Harris may remind you of Joan Jett in her raw and often provocative punk vocals. Then again she may give you a brief glimpse of fellow Englander Robin Beck in her more melodic moments. When she reaches into power pop, she more than challenges a vocalist like Avril Lavigne. Frankly, Harris has more guts than Lavigne. In the end, she has her own groove and style.

At first I wasn't impressed when listening to the opening number 'Steal Your Fire.' Here Ms. Harris sounds good but is easily out shined by her backing band. But things definitely improve from here. 'Your Turn' is better with the Jett/Blackhearts motif shining through, melodic yet risky. Then there's the incredibly enjoyable 'Get Over It,' a song loaded with cliche and power. Another supporting song is 'From The Bottom To The Top,' smooth and soothing, Harris is brilliant. 'Hurry Up' has similar characteristics being a smooth ballad with rich guitar work. 'Come On Over' and 'Hit Or Miss' you can skip; they're good melodic rock, but hardly significant. 'See Through' could be listed with the previous numbers except for Harris' strong vocals and the sterling guitar work. It's a good rocker. For me, the best number on the album is the cover of UFO's 'Natural Thing.' But, hey, I'm a diehard UFO fan. It's got the enthusiasm of the original, but Harris can't keep the pace or replace Phil Mogg's sensual passion. However, it's still great.

Lauren Harris's 'Calm Before The Storm' is an excellent, yet still a freshman, effort from a youngster. Sure, you may say, she has it in her genes to be a rocker. But this only the beginning. Ms. Harris has a bright future; she's a true contender. Very recommended.
- Craig Hartranft

In Short

Lauren Harris is the daughter of Iron Maiden founder and bassist Steve Harris (yes, he's that old). But daddy's girl is not following in her father's footsteps. Ms. Harris is a rocker from beginning to end. Her debut album is loaded with melodic rock which has some punk and power pop influences. Harris has the attitude and the lungs to pull off some great rock. I think this is only the beginning.

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