'ROBOTS AND WRANGLERS' / HALO CIRCUS: ALBUM REVIEW


BY EMMA SCHOORS

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The new Halo Circus album “Robots and Wranglers”, featuring star singer Allison Iraheta, is explosive from start to finish. The sophomore album is jam-packed with faster, slower, sophisticated and fun songs, sure to leave listeners following along the ride. 

The slower songs, such as “Commander”, are a perfect break of energy in the album, keeping the softer side edgy and electronic. “Contact” is an immersive song filled with powerful vocals and narrative songwriting, sure to intensify the listening experience for all. Lead single “Narcissist” is a fun track filled with head-on lyrics and straight to the point hooks, just enough to fill the need for a powerful, confidence-boosted song for this year. Songs like “Y Para Que” and “Pledge Of Allegiance” dive into the deep end of experimental electronic pop, while “Off the World”, “Got it Made” and “Oh Money!” tell stories of pride, anger, love, naivety and wrath. The album, overall, is a genuinely fun listening experience all the way through, leaving little to no room for interpretation of that matter. Find Halo Circus’ new album on all music platforms and on their socials below!

 

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'THE EAST LANSING SESSIONS' / HALO CIRCUS: EP REVIEW


BY SARAH KEARNS

Shortly after releasing their debut album, Bunny, in June 2016, Halo Circus is back at it again with a new collection of works. The EP, The East Lansing Sessions, features five alternative rock songs, three of which had already made an appearance in Bunny, but were resynthesized into stripped-down, acoustic versions.

 

 

The EP is commenced with Nothing at All. This was my personal favorite. Halo Circus had thrown out the previous version’s background music, an overwhelming fusion of multiple instruments, and replaced it with acoustic guitar. The track was soothing and beautifully simple.

 

 

Following is All I Have. Lead singer Allison Iraheta harmonizes with piano melodies, but the gentle combination is cut off by guitar strumming. The tone immediately changes afterwards, the singing sounding more like droning. Though not inherently bad, the song was the least impressive of the five.

 

 

Up next is Band Aid. The lyrics were intimate. “As high as I could get, I rise above me. That human far below, not who I plan to be.” It felt like Iraheta was reading from a page in her diary; personal, but relatable.

 

 

PHOTO BY CAMI LIBERTY

PHOTO BY CAMI LIBERTY

Fourth in the EP is Stand Up. This song has faster, more complex instrumentals than the others. Catchy and upbeat, it creates a balance amongst the slower tracks. Plus, it's the perfect tune to dance to.

 

 

Finally, is Needle and the Damage Done. In their cover of the Neil Young classic, Halo Circus delivers a fresh take while retaining the authentic sound of Young. Verses fluently give way to guitar solos and both fans of Halo Circus and Young are left content.

 

 

The East Lansing Sessions is an EP worth listening to. While Halo Circus didn't necessarily supply new music, their repurposed songs show substantial improvement from Bunny. Iraheta’s voice is clearer and the instrumentals are better than ever.

 

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