The Inevitability of a Strange World,
Halifax
Before this record, I classed Halifax as a band that did things well without really standing out as one of the genre's better bands. 'The Inevitability of a Strange World' ditches the Taking Back Sunday-lite sound the band have previously adopted in favour of a more rock-based and ballsy sound, and Halifax definitely benefit from the change. Although the CD's booklet suggests floppy fringes are still in, the soaring harmonies and raucous guitars are a potent mix which leaves Halifax celebrating with their strongest release yet.
'The Inevitability of a Strange World' sounds massive. Producers Lou Giordano and Machine are two of the best in the business and this record reflects this. the guitars are huge and the vocals have never sounded better. All this is backed up with a number of great songs too. While the band cite Motley Crue as an influence, there's little musical impact on Tommy lee and the boys - but that's not to say 'Nightmare', 'Hey Italy' and 'Under Fire' don't rock like the best of them. Mike's vocals sound great on 'Snow In Hollywood', a trait the band seem to have perfected when it comes to building up powerful verses into large choruses.
If you had any pre-conceptions that Halifax were just another post-hardcore band or that they had that 'Drive Thru sound', be prepared to be very surprised. This record is very classy indeed and a very nice surprise. If you like your melodies sweet, but you're guitars loud and proud, this is definitely a release for you.
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