H R H - R E V
I E W S
The
Black Halos
Alive without Control Liquor and Poker Music/ Century Media
by
Matthew Hoffman
Staff Writer
Comments:
Punk
rockers through and through, Vancouver’s The Black Halos are
as sick as they look but can write and perform a solid punk song with
the best of them. Their newest release Alive without Control,
is a solid effort. The music is written well and the guitars are louder
and heavier than most bands in the genre. They are also very well
played and a little more complex than just the ordinary basic old
school style punk guitar chords.
Several
of the first few songs may remind you of the Ramones’ genius
of more than 20 years ago, a very good sign. Self-described live fast/die
young lyrics are solid throughout, but the guitar work of Becvare
and Millette is unreal and steals the show. With that kind of talent,
these boys could play virtually any genre they wanted to. These assholes
really know how to rip and shred a solo or two or three, well you
get the picture.
The
vocals of Billy Hopeless are as good as punk has heard in ages, especially
on “Studio Suffering” and “Three Sheets to the Wind.”
“Tight” is the best song on the album, as it has it all
heavy guitars great vocals and more starts and stops then the subway
at rush hour. The songwriting is great, all the speedy punk rock riffing
is supported by great drum work of Rob Zgaljic and excellently spewed
vocals, even throw in top flight bass guitar from Dennis McKnight
and you have a really a complete package.
This
cd is a huge breath of fresh air. If you are looking for something
different than the usual American Idol bullshit or pop drivel found
on the radio or TV, buy this cd, which is bereft of any pretension
and just rocks and rocks and rocks! You just push play and the rotten
bastards do all the work for you. In five minutes, you’ll tear
down any broad’s panties to give her, the hard English Ass Spanking
she so heartedly deserves. Great fucking record Black Halos, great
record.
Band
Members:
Jay
Millette-Guitar
Adam Becvare-Guitar
Billy Hopeless-Vocals
Rob Zgaljic-Drums
Dennis McKnight-Bass
Track
Listing: 1. Three Sheets to the Wind 2. Last Call at the Toothless
Saloon 3. Alive Without Control 4. Darkets Corners 5. Mirrorman 6.
Studio Suffering 7. Third World U.S.A. 8. Tight 9. Broken 10. Exit
Stagefright 11. Burning Trash 12. Unchanged 13. I Need To Know
HRH
Rating: 8/10
