Harlem is an American rock band formed in Tucson, Arizona in 2008 by primary songwriters Michael Coomers and Curtis O'Mara. They later relocated to Austin, Texas, where they developed a raw, garage rock sound that captured a certain gritty, lo-fi aesthetic, heavily influenced by punk and indie rock from previous decades. The band first started generating buzz in underground music circles with their debut album "Free Drugs ;-)", released in 2008, a title that hints at the band's irreverent and carefree attitude toward both their music and image.

After their debut, Harlem continued to hone their sound and build their reputation as a high-energy act with catchy hooks and snarling guitars. The album "Hippies", released in 2010, brought more attention to the band, featuring standout tracks like "Friendly Ghost" and "Gay Human Bones", which showcased their ability to blend pop sensibilities with garage rock's raucousness. Harlem is known for their D.I.Y. approach and engaging live performances, which have cultivated a dedicated fan base. The band took a hiatus after "Hippies" but returned with fresh material years later, with songs like "Oh Boy" and "Blonde on Blonde" proving that Harlem hasn't lost their knack for crafting infectious garage rock anthems tinged with punk's rebellious spirit.