The Halt - EP

Redcar four piece The Halt owe a lot to their sound from the best of the proper R&B bands of the late 60's. Reminiscent of The Stones at their more energetic & strutting best, with perhaps a soupcon of an American influence.

The 5 Track EP showcases the diversity of their sound succinctly; the up tempo Stones-esque "Marching Band" is followed by the much slower "Spotlight" which you could almost imagine being used on the soundtrack of a Tarantino film. Track 3 "Be Forever" sees them up the tempo again for an energetic & driving slice of Indie Power Pop. "State of Mind" slows us down again, for arguably the best, and certainly the longest, song on the CD; some superb guitar work & lovely chord changes make this the stand out song for yours truly at least; it's a tune that gets the hairs standing up on end. Fantastic. The final track "Skeleton" lifts the tempo again but is probably the weakest song on the CD.

Don't misunderstand me; it would probably be a highlight in another band's play list, but the quality of the heavyweights preceding, means it just lacks a certain something; still a great tune by anyone's standards - but this is The Halt, and they are one of the best Bands in the Teesside area, if not the North East.

If you get chance, go see them play. Another band that sounds as good live as they do on the CD. Heartily recommended.

You can check The Halt out on their MySpace.

Reviewed by JayTeE for North East Live   

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