Hello there, friends; 2016 is upon us, and it’s finally starting to feel like winter outside. It took long enough, although we have been spoiled this season! However, it’s never too cold to get out and go to some live shows, and there are a lot coming up! One in particular that I am really looking forward to is Jack’s Mannequin at Starland Ballroom Jan. 28. It’s sold out, and I cannot wait to see them back together again!
Anyway, on that note, let’s talk about something else that has been getting me excited as of late: a band called Halogens. I recently discovered them through social media and Jersey Rock on The Rat, and I have been listening to them ever since. I see they have been getting a lot of press recently as well, so I guess I am not the only one digging this band these days. That being said, let’s learn a little bit more about them, shall we?
Halogens are a four-piece alternative rock band from Wall, New Jersey (an area that I am all too familiar with), with members Zach Henry on lead vocals and guitar, Charlie Throckmorton on guitar, Tim Wuestneck on bass and vocals, and George Salves on the drums. They formed back in the dark ages of 2011, and have been building a steady fan base in the local market ever since. Some of their influences are cited as Blink-182, Brand New, and The Front Bottoms, three bands that I am extremely fond of.
Halogens’ new self-titled EP is available now through Why Bother Records, and it’s got something on there for everyone to enjoy. I have listened to it a few times through, and honestly cannot get enough. It’s compacted with five dope tracks, each better than the next.
The self-titled track “Halogens” sets the mood immediately; slightly dreary, on the heavy side, yet somehow bringing a smile to your face. My favorite track on the EP is called “Kitchen Sink” (a place in my house that is always full), and so is this song. It’s compacted with wonderful lyrics, great vocals, and each member of the band brings the perfect piece to the puzzle on this track. Take a listen, I guarantee you will enjoy. It’s very catchy; this song should be in a teen comedy, at the end credits, or during a scene where everyone is heading to the ultimate summer party. That may sound weird, but it’s the biggest compliment ever. Another noteworthy track that you want to put on is called “Run Around.” I love the lyrics on this one, and I am sure you will too.
Overall, this EP is perfect from top to bottom, all around. With high-energized hooks, and raw emotion, I think this could be a soundtrack to a lot of listeners’ lives. I highly suggest everyone picks up a copy, and catches this band live. I have yet to see them in concert just yet, but if I am this big of a fan based off of their recordings, I am sure I will have a newfound respect for them after seeing them take the stage.
To learn more about Halogens, access their music, find out tour dates, and just share this article with them (highly encouraged), you can like them on their Facebook page at Facebook.com/Halogens. They are always around, so get to know them on your own time! Their timeline also lets us know that they have new merch and so much more in store for 2016; this will be their year.
I will be back next week with another act of your liking. In the meantime, keep on sending me your stuff and sharing music on socials, because you never know who is watching!
