Debut album by rocking Murfreesboro Tennessee band, Halo Stereo
Music News Nashville
Kenny
Hart
"...these
guys make the visualizations in my media player make sense..."
Halo
Stereo's self-titled debut release begins with "Fractured Fantasy", a
track that is strangely retro, yet refreshing for its avant-garde,
new-wave-psychedelic feel, clearly the pick hit of this album. One could imagine
listening to this in some altered state of consciousness, be it spiritually or
chemically induced (and I don't recommend the latter). Halo Stereo's signature
sound comprises highly melodic use of unusual intervals and tight vocal
harmonies layered over a foundation of solid rhythms.
They
run the gamut of hard-driving rock and semi-acoustic mellow songs. And while you
can hear the garage band sound in some of the tunes, you can't deny that they're
accomplished musicians; even when they are being slightly grungy, the sound is
smooth and clean. Besides, these guys make the visualizations in my media player
make sense -- if that makes sense. Add well-written songs with poetic lyrics and
you have a sound that is both easily digested and slightly addictive.
It
doesn't hurt when you have a veteran music man on your side, either. In this
case, it's musician / producer / Grammy Winner, Bill Cuomo, who has worked with
the likes of Kim Carnes, Steve Perry, Whitesnake, Don Henley and Bad Company.
The combination makes for music that is unquestionably on the cutting edge of
the current rock scene. The band cites many influences, but the ones that stand
out in their sound are Peter Gabriel, The Cars, early U2, and Sigur Ros. But
don't take that as a comparison; these
guys are not imitators, they're innovators.
Hailing
from Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Halo Stereo are:
Andrew
Fry - Vocals, guitar, keyboards, noises
Jody
Hicks - Bass, vocals
Will
McCracken - Drums, noises
Robert
Smith - Guitar, vocals
I
hope we hear more from these talented artists -- it'll be a shame if we don't.
Check 'em out.
R
& R Magazine
Ken
Anthony
"Strong
band with great melodies, reminiscent of Cold Play".
102.9
The local buzz
Aljon
( On Air ) Wow! You guys are one of the first bands in the Nashville area that I would consider "cutting edge!" It feels good to be a part of something on the forefront of music!
88.3
WMTS
The
Morning Show!
One of the best live shows I have seen and the record is uberamazing! These guys will be one of the bands to watch in 2006!
Somewhere between disposable pop/rock and avant-garde "noise"
lies Halo Stereo. They are a dynamic band that gives the polluted rock industry
a breath of fresh air with their riveting musicianship, strong lyrics and
ability to grab an audience and take them for a ride...
When
mentioning the music of Halo Stereo three topics come to mind: Love, Machines
and the End of Civilization. The refreshing but yet nostalgic sound and clever
musical ideas of Halo Stereo are at first glance impressive, and
as they unfold, addictive. These four youngsters out of Murfreesboro, Tennessee
have tapped into a vein of music that is topped off with easily digestible
lyrics and well-honed musicianship. They are a melodically oriented rock act
with well-written songs, poetic lyrics and head turning musicianship.
The
band was formed in February 2002 by front man Andrew Fry and bassist Jody Hicks.
Andrew and Jody grew up near Huntsville, Alabama with drummer Will McCracken and
played in a number of envelope pushing bands in the area. Wreaking havoc on
their local community at an early age, front man Fry was well known for his
teenage rebellion in his small town (through several delinquent acts of
vandalism, which put an end to his first band). After High School, Andrew, Jody
and Will moved to Nashville Tennessee in hopes of starting a band that would
stand for everything they believed in and could be successful by showcasing the
art which they painstakingly created in their bedrooms.
After moving to Nashville Will McCracken left to pursue a songwriting
career and ended up working at RCA records in Los Angeles. While missing Will
but still trudging forward Andrew and Jody joined forces with a guitarist by the
name of Robert Smith. Robert Smith (not of the Cure) adds a distinctive element
to the ensemble with his Jazzy background in a rock setting. Growing up in Ohio,
the heart of rock-n-roll, Smith found his calling at an early age and has
established a strong style necessary to complete the Halo Stereo sound. After a
four-year departure and missing the rhythmic focus in the band Will McCracken
left RCA records to rejoin the band continuing a 10 year friendship and musical
endeavor that is stronger than ever and thus completes the lineup.
Now, after two years developing their ideas and dedicating their lives to
the music they create, they are making the scene. They have teamed up with veteran
musician, producer and Grammy Nominee, Bill Cuomo (Kim Carnes, Steve Perry,
Whitesnake, Don Henley) to create incredible music that is on the cutting edge
of the industry.
Halo Stereo is slowly but surely breaking ground in the industry by taking
audiences on a dynamic journey with their shows and wowing them with excellent
songwriting and musicianship. Local fans have walked away from their shows
excited and wanting more. Their hard alternative and melodic style is a tough
one to ignore and you will most definitely be hearing about these guys in the
future as they tear their way through the ranks and leave audiences in awe and
wanting more wherever they go.
To
find out more about Halo Stereo OR to purchase their latest CD, visit them at: