HAL - Down in the Valley EP
by Andy Cassidy
published: 27 / 2 / 2012
Label:
Tri-Tone
Format: CDS
intro
Infectious 70's and early 80's-influenced pop on first EP in seven years from Dublin-based band, HAL
Dublin band HAL return after a seven year hiatus with a four-track EP which is simply bristling with catchy melodies, infectious hooks and great instrumentation. The treated vocal introduction of opening track 'Down in the Valley' bursts out of the speakers like a cross between the Scissor Sisters and MGMT distilled through a mix of Zappa’s doo-wop pastiches and a hint of Buck’s Fizz-style pop. It’s a heady mix, but never overpowering and always staying just on the right side of cheesy. Second track 'Why Do You Come Here?' opens with a lovely string line, which continues in the style of My Life Story throughout the piece. Despite the orchestration, however, the vibe I got from the song is that of a slow disco number – this could easily be the product of the late-seventies New York club scene. 'Motorcars' is a slower number, with lush harmonies and a brushed snare creating a wonderful moonlit atmosphere. This is a jazzier track than its predecessors, again making great use of a prominent yet restrained string section. As a mood piece, it is tremendously effective. The slow piano opening of final track 'Little Lady' again works tremendously well as a mood setter. As a paean to the eponymous “little lady” it is tremendously affecting. As with the remainder of the EP, the background vocals are fantastic- the instrumentation is sparse and gives the lead and background vocals ample space to soar, and soar they do. This is a highly accomplished little collection, and if it is an accurate sample of what’s to come from HAL, then I for one am pretty excited by it. The only complaint I have is that it was simply over too quickly. More please.
Track Listing:-
1 Down In the Valley2 Why Do You ComeHere
3 Motorcars
4 Little Lady
Band Links:-
http://hal.bandpage.com/https://www.facebook.com/Halmusic
https://twitter.com/Halmusic
http://halmusic.tumblr.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/halmusicireland
http://www.songkick.com/artists/120653-hal
Label Links:-
http://www.tri-tone.co.uk/http://www.twitter.com/tritonemusic
https://www.youtube.com/user/tritonemusicltd
https://plus.google.com/108644102285158099002
soundcloud
reviews |
The Time The Hour (2012) |
Superbly written and executed first album in seven years from Dublin-based pop rock outfit, HAL |
most viewed articles
current edition
In Dreams Begin Responsibilities - #15- On Being Dignified and Old aka Ten Tips From Jah Wobble On How To Be Happy.Doug Dillard Expedition - Live At The Hotel Fremont, Las Vegas, September 1970
Beat Featuring Ranking Jnr - Sala Jerusalem, Valencia, 18/2/2024
Simon Heavisides - Destiny Stopped Screaming: The Life and Times of Adrian Borland
Byrds - Every Album, Every Song
Sami Sumner - Interview
The Church - Interview with Steve Kilbey
Editorial - May 2024
Dodson and Fogg - Movement In The Exterior World/Music For Strange and Mysterious Stories
Zombies - Interview
most viewed reviews
current edition
Lewis 'Burner' Pugh - Bullets for BreadHillbilly Moon Explosion - Back in Time
David Cross Band - Ice Blue Silver Sky
Ty Segall - Three Bells
Pearl Jam - Dark Matter
Kula Shaker - Natural Magick
Ian Hunter - Defiance Part 2: Fiction
Sami Galbi - Dakchi Hani
Burial - Dreamfear
Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes - Dark Rainbow
Pennyblackmusic Regular Contributors
Adrian Janes
Amanda J. Window
Andrew Twambley
Anthony Dhanendran
Benjamin Howarth
Cila Warncke
Daniel Cressey
Darren Aston
Dastardly
Dave Goodwin
Denzil Watson
Dominic B. Simpson
Eoghan Lyng
Fiona Hutchings
Harry Sherriff
Helen Tipping
Jamie Rowland
John Clarkson
Julie Cruickshank
Kimberly Bright
Lisa Torem
Maarten Schiethart