EP REVIEW: Inferno – Halflives

Infernos are usually associated with chaotic, out of control fires and that’s exactly where the inspiration for HALFLIVES‘ new EP Inferno came from. It’s chaotic and out of control and that’s exactly how it should be.

Opening with everybody knows it, HALFLIVES immediately show that this is going to be good. The first few bars kick off with low vocals and impressive guitar work which may be simple but still sounds great. The chorus explodes is a wave of alt/punk nostalgia for the 00s with energetic vocals and clever hooks that are just perfectly placed throughout the rest of the track. sorry mom x slows down slightly but stills goes hard in the chorus and in the bridges. The driving verses give it a really great rhythm that gets under the skin. The song is all about not being good enough and being out of place and there’s a lot of self-pity going on. It seems more personal and reflective but is still relatable.

Dynamite has impressive vocals and instrumentation that sounds a little reminiscent of PALE WAVES but with a punkier edge. The guitar seems a little more subdued on this track during the verses so it’s more of a vocal and percussion track which is a nice touch as it’s a little bit different. The EP kicks things up a notch with EVERYTHING SUCKS! which is a defiant explosive track full of hate and angst and a hard attitude. It’s a huge bass-heavy track with ear-wormy hooks that seem to be the signature theme here which sound awesome. This is the sound of defiance at its absolute best.

Closing Inferno all too soon is Oblivion. This is a change of pace as it features keys heavily before becoming heavier in the chorus. At first though it’s way softer than the rest. The vocals really soar and it feels a little more like a dreampop song before everything takes off and the song rises with the guitars ringing out and the drums come in heavy to give the whole track a theatrical feel. It’s dramatic, epic and the perfect way to close this EP.

Basically, this EP is great but it ends all too quickly which is some of the best criticism. The tracks are reflective at points and strong and defiant at others and the band have really covered all the bases here. HALFLIVES give just a glimpse of what they’ve been up to since their debut and the future looks evermore bright for them.

Rating 7/10

Inferno is set for release on June 30th via self-release.

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