Italian pop-rock newcomers Halflives are set to release their debut album Empty Rooms on the 14th April. They managed to accumulate almost double their funding target through crowd funding in just a month after the release of their debut single Mayday back in September of last year. The result of plenty of hard work and devotion is an eight-track collection of defined music that captures the true essence of the band.
The album sets off with a slight electronic introduction in the foundation track Lone Wolf, the brief few seconds could compare to tracks from Icon For Hire. It then progresses into a regular rhythm that will later be established throughout the album. There is a steady rhythm evident in a majority of the tracks, utilizing the hypnotizing vocal range from Linda Battilani. The group’s single Burn superbly demonstrates the powerful vocalist’s capabilities, which could even be comparable to that of Amy Lee of Evanescene when the high ranges are concerned.
Half Alive stands out as one of the most upbeat and undeviating tracks, prompting plenty of energy from the get go. Featuring catchy choruses and nimble duel guitars, the track is a satisfying blend of sounds from Against The Current, You Me At Six and Tonight Alive, which still maintains a valuable, individual spirit.
They share similar sounds with the likes of relatable, female fronted band Courage My Love, who are bringing Halflives with them on their headline UK tour in May / June this year. It is looking to become an exciting year ahead for the five-piece, and this album will only propel them further into the limelight.
Hearing more female fronted groups is exciting, after the rise of PVRIS over the last couple of years, it has become pleasing to see additional bands pull away from the typical ‘sounds like Paramore’ norm: a frequent remark passed around during the rise of the Franklin-based rockers, in the early 2000s.
8/10
For fans of: Tonight Alive, Against The Current, PVRIS
Words by Jess Boswell
‘Empty Rooms’ by Halflives is released on 14th April.
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