Halogens – “Happy Hour”
“Though life can be hard sometimes, I’m just happy to be alive.” This is the message that can be heard throughout four-piece rock band, Halogens new EP, “Happy Hour”. I first came across this band about a year ago while searching through music on Spotify. A few days later, they released “Pretty Enough”, the first single off the new EP. This single is what sold me on how awesome Halogens is! Since then, I’ve been bumping all of their music consistently, just waiting for new material! “Happy Hour” is a six track EP that is a banger from start to finish!
“Drawing influences from an eclectic range of artists and genres, Halogens have crafted their own brand of fun, upbeat, and groove infused rock music. The band is a perfect example of musicians committed to bending the rules while still holding true rock and roll values, and have continued to display that through local shows and regional touring. Vocalist Zach Henry’s honest lyrics are complimented perfectly though the rest of the band’s work – hot guitar licks, smooth bass lines and demanding drum fills consistently find themselves worked effortlessly into the structures of every song. Working as a true unit, Halogens continues to write and release music that leaves the listener with no choice but to fully indulge in the sound (and maybe dance around their bedroom).” I couldn’t have said it better myself! This quote perfectly describes the band, especially with this new kick-ass release! Halogens went a little beyond their comfort zone, trying new sounds and styles that compliment the band so well!
As always, I love to hear the band’s insight into their own work. I was fortunate enough to get to speak with George Savies (drums) who shared some words about the new EP. “Happy Hour” is a collection of songs that reflect on the lowest and highest points of our lives over the past few years. The first half of the album focuses on the bad; specifically coping with the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, poor mental health, and negative feelings in regards to body image and self confidence. The back half of the album displays a major shift in lyrical tonality in order to mirror acceptance and closure; highlighting a drastically positive change in attitude and overall outlook on life and self. The last three songs are much more upbeat in pace and tone, and focus on trying to take away something positive from life’s most negative experiences, while also expressing gratitude for the people in our lives that help us get through life’s most trying moments. Overall, “Happy Hour” is a record about love, loss, acceptance, closure, and personal growth.”
George Savies described “Happy Hour” almost exactly how I would. One of the biggest takeaways from this record is the raw emotion that can be heard on each song. Halogens was not afraid to get personal, touching upon topics of love and loss, mental health issues, and everything in between that a majority of society has to deal with at one point or another. What I really enjoy is how well the band is able to incorporate such sensitive topics and still make the songs fun and engaging. It’s not an easy task to do, and I give them all the credit in the world for doing it with such success!
“Happy Hour” starts off with “Pretty Enough”, the first single that was released. This is my favorite song on the EP because it is so unique. The song starts off with the slow introduction of cymbals and a peaceful strum of the guitar, which immediately leads into Zack Henry’s pristine vocals. The song focuses on the loss of a relationship and the emotions that you are left with after. “I’ll always love you on a purple post-it note I once held close, I noticed today, the ink start to fade.” This is my favorite line on the entire EP. This one line carries so much weight. It clearly touches on the impact a failed relationship has on someone, and even if it’s been a significant period of time (hence the fading ink), it still weighs heavy on you. At first listen, you would be quick to assume this is a sad song of someone who is struggling to get over a relationship. In my mind, that line sets up the tone of the remainder of the EP. We all go through difficult times in life, and no matter how difficult they may be, time passes and we heal (again, the fading ink comes into play). One last thing I must mention, god damn that ending is an absolute banger! I can’t wait to catch Halogens live because I’ll be screaming along the last 30 seconds with the band!
Halogens continues with EP with “The Inside”. This song has a softer yet more upbeat feel to it. The song starts off with Zack singing “You can find me underneath my sheets, hiding from everyone so you wouldn’t see me. There’s infections in my blood, don’t take my medicine enough. Instead I keep trying to pray away an illness that plagued me today.” I love this line because it speaks volumes to all the listeners. Regardless of the difficulties one is facing in life, most people feel this way at some point. It’s easier to shut yourself off and avoid specific events or people than to stand up and face your problems. It is amazing how within the first two songs, Halogens created something that can relate to almost every human being! In regards to the music itself, I have to give the band a huge shout out for the instrumentals on this one. The guitar riffs and drumming throughout the song will have everyone rocking along; it’s infectious! If you don’t believe me, check out the last minute of the song where the instrumentals kick up a notch and you’ll be dancing along in no time!
“Buckle” comes up next and is my second favorite song on the EP. I was instantly hooked on this song from the sick guitar intro that any music lover will appreciate! Halogens continues to pull at the heart strings with this one, specifically focusing on the loss of a loved one. The intro line is one that is going to be felt by anyone who has felt the loss of someone and may have some regrets. “I thought about calling you a lot that week, to see if you were alright and catch up on everything. But instead, I laid in bed thinking you would be here when my weekend ends.” Wow, what a truly emotional line! Zack continues singing with “I’m sorry that I never wrote, I’m sorry that I never called, I’m sorry that I never made a god damn attempt at all. And I will always hate your blood in my veins, but I will love and miss you more each day.” I think everyone should appreciate Halogens putting out a song with such an emotional topic. It really makes you stop and think of all the people you love in your life and if you’re seeing them or making as much as an effort as they deserve. Halogens took the approach of using softer, calmer instrumentals and it was definitely the correct choice. The instrumentals add so much to the emotional vocals.
“Buckle” effortlessly transitions into “Sometimes”, a quick 84 second bop that kicks off the upbeat, positive songs of the EP. “Though life can be hard sometimes, I’m just happy to be alive” is the first line of this song, and the first line of hope. Pulling yourself out of the gutter after such traumatic events is no easy feat, but everyone must remember that life goes on. We have to be thankful for what we have, what we had in life, and what is ahead of us! “O’Gorman” follows up and is easily going to be a fan favorite. This song represents the classic Halogens sound and style that fans fell in love with on their first EP. This song is my favorite in regards to instrumentals (besides that killer ending to “Pretty Enough”). I love the bridge that comes in about halfway through the song. The guitar chords and drumming have a heavier, darker feel that demonstrates the variety of sounds the band is willing to incorporate into their music. I’m telling you, this is going to be the song that people are dying to hear at a Halogens shows!
“Happy Hour” ends with “The Backwoods”, the most upbeat song of the EP. This is going to be another bop that fans will rock out to at shows, in their cars, in the shower, really anywhere they can listen to music! I can already hear their fans singing along to, “I don’t even mind, when you’re unkind. I just wanted you to stay and change my life. But things are always in your way, so I will go underground and I will stay there.”
Halogens released a classic EP that should be enjoyed by all music listeners. They perfected their sound with this one and it is going to make waves in the music scene. Hats off to Zack, Charlie, Tim and George for creating this truly awesome EP! Make sure you follow Halogens social media accounts and check out music from “Happy Hour” on the blog’s Spotify playlist: After Hours Review!
Upcoming Halogens Show
Friday, April 26th – Amityville Music Hall with Keep Flying, Sundressed, Heather Grey, Soren, LIMIT, HELLP