Winnipeg's
Harlequin snuck up on rock radio with their debut album
Love Crimes (at least in Canada, anyway), thanks to the strength of the synth-driven single "Innocence." With a short stint north of the border,
Harlequin's first release is composed of typical guitar and keyboard-oriented rock & roll. Lead vocalist
George Belanger's sharp, enthusiastic vocal styling is truly this bands greatest asset. "Thinking of You," a second single from the album, was a minor hit on Canadian airwaves, but it faded even faster than the first. Nestled somewhere between choppy and blustering, all the music from this album is symbolic of early-'80s radio. While songs like "Wait for the Night" and "It's All Over Now" try hard to gain attention, the result is bland and balmy. Even though there are some attractive riffs by way of guitarist
Glen Willows, the only real highlight on this album remains in the semi-passionate debut song. ~ Mike DeGagne