|
 |
Hal are a young four piece from Dublin for whom the phrase "blue-eyed soul" would seem to have been invented. Lead singer Dave Allen has a voice uncannily reminiscent of The Beautiful South's Paul Heaton, but the band's musical influences are more American than anything else.
Lead track Worry About The Wind brings to mind Neil Young at times, and boasts unashamed harmonies of the type that send critics scrabbling for phrases like "sun-drenched". The other track Out Together is a bit too close to fellow Irishmen The Thrills for comfort, but overall this is an excellent debut single that signals great things to come.
After his recent success with The Ordinary Boys, it's good to see former Blur producer Stephen Street still has an ear for talent - bracket Hal with Keane and Delays as ones to watch in 2004.
|
