‘Start Back At Start’ was one of those albums that probably didn’t do too much for you. A good record, it lacked a certain sparkle that would have made it a great album. But that hasn’t deterred Halifax and the band are back with a new EP on No Milk Records. The result is a fantastic record which irons out some of the problems the band previously suffered, yet builds on their collective strengths. In short, Halifax are stronger than they have ever been and this EP contains their best material to date.
Opening track ‘Sydney’ is both the most instant, and the best, song that Halifax have done yet. With a hook big enough to land a Great White, if this is what the band have up their sleeves, then next album will really be a treat. The title track is more of the same, while ‘I Hate Your Eyes‘ is a fantastic spite-filled rant for the broken-hearted. ‘Broken Glass Syndrome’ is another treat – all angular guitars and drums – while ‘The Next Two Weeks’ is slower but just as good. Mike Hunau’s melodies are particularly strong here, with the production really working to emphasise the drums during the breakdown. The beautiful ‘Scarlet Letter Part 2’ works well too – a cracking end to a great EP.
This is an improvement on the album, which I still think is a good record. It seems like Halifax recognised the minor problems they faced and have worked hard to iron them out. Although the post-whatever genre is beginning to fall flat on it’s backside, as long as bands continue to put out quality melodic offerings, fans will lap it up. With Taking Back Sunday back this summer, and records as good as this, it looks as though the genre is here to stay.
www.halifaxrock.com
No Milk Records
Paul