Organized Crime

Organized Crime is Treat's fourth album, on which they stepped into American-oriented melodic rock by combining hard riffs with refined keyboards. To the AOR flavor of the earlier works they added a tougher, harder texture, stepping toward a robust sound conscious of the American market. It was made after signing with Vertigo. After its release, the band also toured Japan. Patrick Appelgren joined on keyboards and would go on to be a core member. Powerful songs like "Ready for the Taking," "Party All Over" and "Conspiracy" line up. The contrast between the hard-edged guitars and the clear choruses draws out a new side of the band. Around this time, amid lineup changes, they were steadily raising their level of musicianship. A spirited record, a fitting close to Treat in the 1980s. Even within its harder-leaning style, their characteristic lyrical melodies remain intact. A song like 'Conspiracy' testifies to its strength. It became the last album with Ernlund singing in the original era. A record marking a high point for the band that raced through the 1980s.