antiMusic.com: Halfwait

Halfwait - The Official

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Sydney, Australia's Halfwait fits itself snugly in the Green Day echelon with The Official opener, "Leave." Over rapid-fire drumming, the group hits the chorus with beautifully harmonized vocals. This is what makes pop-punk so doggone appealing. It's fast and furious, yet equally melodic.

The group is led by Jon Barca's vocals, which are placed atop chugging rock backing tracks. This singing is far enough removed, though, that this lead singing is always crystal clear. The band wants to rock out, but not at the expense of being understood.

Many of these songs appear to be of a romantic nature, but they're open ended enough to be more generally human relationship centered. Halfwait's style and approach is not unique or groundbreaking in any way, but there is great value on doing a familiar thing well. Indeed, The Official is an enjoyable album, from start to finish. Call it pop-punk or melodic rock. Whatever you call it, though, you can't call it anything but fine.

Halfwait - The Official
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