Halifax - Align
Record Label: Rocket Science Ventures
Release Date: April 4, 2010
I don't think it would be to harsh if I was to say that Halifax aren't exactly everyone's favorite band, so when they lost their lead singer you may have thought 'that sucks ... ah well' and wouldn't have lost much sleep over it. Just like you and I, they didn't let it bother them too much, they quickly and quietly moved on. And so, up stepped Chris Brandt to add "Vocals" to his guitar duties. Halifax would be back making music before no time.
Their latest effort, a 6 track EP entitled Align has been released on Rocket Science Ventures, that's right, no more Drive Thru Records for Halifax. After listening to the the ABSOLUTExclusive of 'Tonight' on their profile not too long ago I was surprised at how much they still sounded (Vocally) like the Halifax I remember! To be perfectly honest, if I didn't already know they'd had a line up change, it probably wouldn't have even crossed my mind that they had done a switcheroo' on lead vocals! I'm sure that will seem like a huge exaggeration to some however. (Though, after a few listens to Align, then a short revisit to A Writers Reference, I realize my above statement isn't quite as close to the truth as I originally thought.)
On the opening track (No Saturation) Brandt sings in a way that certainly makes me believe I'm listening to Halifax, this is what I was hoping for, I tend to underestimate how much I actually like this band. From start to finish listening to Align I was a little overwhelmed by how suited Brandt's voice is for this band. No different to what Hit the Lights achieved when they were put in the similar situation, with comparable outcomes. 'Tonight' is certainly the strongest offering on Align, though Amsterdam also deserves a mention for its more than memorable intro and a chorus that will also leave its mark on you. The remaining tracks don't scream out to be noticed, each one though, is not without certain "Halifax traits"; crunching riffs, vocals efforts that make you want to shout along to the lyrics, and as I've mentioned, intro's that get your attention right from the off.
Sure, you're not going to be blown away by this effort, Halifax are giving you what you may have come to expect from them. If you used to enjoy listening to Halifax a few years ago, you still will now.
I always figured it was the frontman's personality that turned away some people, so maybe this'll be a step in the right direction (if they can regain whatever foothold they once had in the scene)
good review. listened to a couple tracks, and would NEVER have known there was a switch on vocals. thanks for pointing that out. but yes, they do sound like the good ol' Halifax from AWR. interesting EP, sounds a little heavier than i'm used to with them. but either way... interesting. maybe it'll grow on me.
I always figured it was the frontman's personality that turned away some people, so maybe this'll be a step in the right direction (if they can regain whatever foothold they once had in the scene)
Hmmm, i don't know. I met the singer at a show about five or six years ago when they just got signed to Drive-Thru, and he was a really nice guy. Unless he changed over the years? Anyway, on that note, A Writer's Reference is an outstanding EP.
Hmmm, i don't know. I met the singer at a show about five or six years ago when they just got signed to Drive-Thru, and he was a really nice guy. Unless he changed over the years? Anyway, on that note, A Writer's Reference is an outstanding EP.
Don't get me wrong, I loved A Writer's Reference, and I'll admit I never met the guy. But on two different occassions I saw them live and he got mad and complained about the audience reception, I always heard he had a reputation for that...so I'm not saying he's a bad guy, but I think that stage attitude may have rubbed some people the wrong way
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